North Korea launched short-range ballistic missiles into the sea, prompting coordination between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. The launch may be a test for missiles potentially intended for export, with concerns about North Korea supplying weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine.

North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters, according to South Korea’s military on Thursday.

The military’s statement indicated that the missiles were presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles. These missiles were fired from an area near the eastern port city of Monsanto and flew up to 800 kilometers (497 miles) before falling into the sea.

South Korea has been in close communication with both the United States and Japan to share information regarding the missile launch. Japan's defense ministry has confirmed that there was no impact on Japan from the missiles, as reported by Japanese public broadcaster NHK.

North Korea’s ballistic missile program is prohibited under United Nations Security Council resolutions. However, in recent years, the nuclear-armed nation has continued to advance its missile development across all ranges.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Lee Sung-jun, suggested in a Thursday briefing that the launch may have been a test to evaluate the performance and flight stability of missiles potentially intended for export.

Experts have long raised concerns that North Korea might be testing weapons with the intention of exporting them to Russia for use in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Both Ukraine and South Korea are among the governments that have accused North Korea of violating UN sanctions by supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

A Reuters investigation from February revealed that North Korean-manufactured ballistic missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine have shown a "marked improvement" in accuracy.