North Korea’s missile activity in 2022

From January to early November 2022, North Korea test-launched over 70 ballistic and cruise missiles, most of which were tests for operational rather than development purposes. This was far more launches than in any comparable period in the past, and some missiles were launched to overfly Japanese territory. These tests make clear that Pyongyang has matured as an operator of large-scale missile forces and is prepared to use these capabilities to pursue tactical and strategic aims. It is unknown whether the pace of missile activity in 2022 represents the new normal or whether it will prove to be an intense aberration as Pyongyang seeks to probe the approach of a new government in Seoul.