North Korea says Japan's missile expansion is raising regional security risks

2026-03-13 00:15:56

SEOUL, March 13 (Reuters) - North Korea accused Japan of heightening regional security risks by accelerating ‌the deployment and development of long-range missiles, saying Tokyo’s military buildup amounted to preparations for a future attack, state media KCNA said on Friday.

KCNA said in a commentary that ⁠Japan had begun deploying an upgraded version of its Type 12 surface-to-ship missile in Kumamoto and planned to position other long-range systems across multiple prefectures, putting neighbouring countries within range.

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Item 1 of 2 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae attend a military parade to commemorate the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang, North Korea, February 25, 2026, in this picture released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS

**[1/2]**North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae attend a military parade to commemorate the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) in Pyongyang, North Korea, February 25, 2026, in this picture released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via… Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more

The commentary said Japan was pouring resources into extending missile ranges and adapting them for launches from ‌land, ⁠sea and air, calling the systems “clearly long-range offensive weapons.”

KCNA dismissed Japan’s claim that the buildup was for self-defence, saying it reflected ambitions to secure attack ⁠capabilities and was part of “war preparations for re-invasion.”

It added Japan’s expanded purchases of long-range strike weapons and participation ⁠in joint military drills showed the country was moving closer to using those capabilities ⁠and warned Tokyo risked serious consequences if it continued on its current path.

Reporting by Kyu-seok Shim; Editing by Chris Reese and Jamie Freed

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