Seoul: North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, South Korea's military reported, suggesting a performance test possibly linked to arms exports to Russia.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the launch from the eastern coastal city of Wonsan between 8:10 a.m. and 9:20 a.m., involving various types of short-range ballistic missiles.

The missiles traveled up to 800 kilometers before landing in the East Sea. The test possibly included the North's KN-25 super-large 600-millimeter multiple rocket launcher and the KN-23, akin to Russia's Iskander short-range ballistic missiles. South Korea's military speculated that the launch might be a performance test related to potential arms exports to Russia.

JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun stated during a press briefing, "It could be a test to inspect performance or flight stability for possible exports." South Korea condemned the launch as a "blatant provocative act" and emphasized its readiness to respond to any provocation.

The launch follows North Korea's recent acknowledgment of sending troops to Russia to support its conflict against Ukraine. This event marks North Korea's fourth ballistic missile test this year and its second since U.S. President Donald Trump's re-election.

Despite North Korea's history of staging weapons tests in reaction to joint military drills by Seoul and Washington, the country has refrained from major provocations this year, focusing instead on rhetoric and deepening military ties with Russia.

Regarding North Korea's progress in launching a military spy satellite, Col. Lee noted no imminent signs of such an event, although engine tests continue. North Korea has been advancing its weapons development, with leader Kim Jong-un recently visiting factories producing military equipment.