North Korea on Wednesday launched another ballistic missile, the first to land in or near waters controlled by Japan. The medium-range missile flew about 620 miles, making it the longest North Korean launch so far, The Associated Press reported. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the launch was a “serious threat” to his country and called it an “unforgivable act of violence.” US Strategic Command said it had detected two missiles, but one exploded almost immediately. South Korea’s Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea’s actions showed the country’s desire to “directly and broadly attack” neighboring countries.
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.