What Happened: North Korea launched eight short-range ballistic missiles from various parts of the country into the East Sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan, Reuters reported June 5. In response, South Korea and the United States launched eight surface-to-surface missiles, which can target key military installations in North Korea, and Japan and the United States also conducted bilateral military drills.

Why It Matters: North Korea's simultaneous missile launches indicate that it is no longer testing new missile technologies and is instead pushing the tactical limits of its current missile systems. This means North Korea likely has achieved some of its strategic goals with current conventional capabilities. In response to the missile launches, South Korea will continue its hardline stance against North Korea and will likely continue its own military drills.

Background: North Korea's missiles were all fired between 9:08 a.m. and 9:43 a.m. local time, flying east roughly 110-670 kilometers (68-416 miles) and reaching altitudes of 25-90 kilometers (15-56 miles) at speeds between Mach 3 and 6 before landing in the sea outside Japanese waters. North Korea launched the missiles from Sunan (near Pyongyang), Kaechon (roughly 30 miles north of Pyongyang), Tongchang-ri (in Pyongan province and bordering China on the Yalu River), and Hamhung on the east coast (roughly 120 miles northeast of Pyongyang).