North Korea's second missile test on Thursday signals it is serious about developing new, short-range weapons that could be used early and effectively in any war with South Korea and the United States, analysts studying images of the latest launches say.
Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the first flight of a previously untested weapon - a relatively small, fast missile experts believe will be easier to hide, launch, and maneuver in flight.
Photos released by state media on Friday showed Thursday's test involved the same weapon.
The tests have increased tensions after the last U.S.-North Korea summit collapsed in February in Hanoi with no agreement over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said late on Thursday the launches seemed like a protest over the failed summit, while North Korea has defended the tests as routine and self defensive.
Some analysts say the multiple tests show the missiles aren't only for political show.
"This second test solidifies that these launches are not just to stir the pot and elicit a U.S. response to resume negotiations," said Grace Liu, one of a team of missile experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) in California. "They are developing a reliable, operable missile that can defeat missile defenses and conduct a precision strike in South Korea."
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