Relationships Between Provocations and Exercises
Citation:
Victor Cha, “North Korean Provocations & US-ROK Military Exercises Dataset,” CSIS Beyond Parallel Original Datasets, http://beyondparallel.csis.org/timeline
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October 20, 2016
Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea reportedly fired another Musudan missile from a location near Kusong. The launch came after a scheduled 2+2 meeting between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, ROK Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and ROK Minister of National Defense Han Min Koo. The failed launch also came hours before the 3rd presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
October 15, 2016
Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea launched a presumed Musudan missile from a location near Kusong in the northwestern part of the country. U.S. and ROK military sources have stated that the missile launch was a failure.
September 9, 2016
Nuclear Test
North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. The test produced a 10 kiloton blast which experts assess is the strongest and most successful explosion out of all of North Korea’s five tests. Through a pronouncement on its state media, North Korea claimed to have successfully tested a nuclear warhead.
September 5, 2016
Medium-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 3 Nodong ballistic missiles into the East Sea from Hwangju near the west coast. The missiles were launched just as world leaders gathered in Hangzhou, China for the G20 summit. The missiles reportedly flew around 600 miles (1000 km). Despite initial reports of Nodong missiles being fired other experts assessed that the launch was actually of long-range ER Scud missiles.
August 22-September 2, 2016
Ulchi Freedom Guardian Exercises
U.S. and ROK military forces conducted UFG exercises with appoximately 25,000 U.S. troops and 50,000 South Korean soldiers. These computerized command-and-control exercises are designed to deter North Korea from acts of aggression, enhance the readiness of alliance forces, and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula.
August 24, 2016
Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired a submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) into the East Sea from a location near Sinpo. The missile, presumed to be a KN-11, reportedly flew about 300 miles and entered Japan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ). According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missile launch appeared to show progress compared with previous tests.
August 3, 2016
Medium-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea launched 2 Nodong missiles from South Hwanghae province on the western coast. The first missile exploded immediately after launch and the second was fired into the East Sea and travelled about 621 miles (1000km). The second missile reportedly landed in or near Japan’s exclusive economic zone and drew a strong response from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who called the launch a “grave threat.”
July 19, 2016
Medium-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 3 Nodong ballistic missiles into the East Sea from the county of Hwangju in North Hwanghae province. The launches come 6 days after South Korea announced THAAD would be deployed in Seongju county. Two of the missiles reportedly flew 500 to 600 km.
July 9, 2016
Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired a submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM), presumed to be a KN-11, from the east coast city of Sinpo. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missile appears to have been successfully launched from a submarine but failed in the early stages of flight.
June 22, 2016
Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles from the east coast city of Wonsan. According to South Korean military sources, the first missile travelled about 93 miles and is believed to have been a failure. The second missile launched two hours later travelled about 250 miles. Both missiles appear to be Musudan and, if confirmed, would mark the 5th and 6th launches of that missile-type this year.
May 31, 2016
Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea conducted a failed missile launch, of what was believed to be a Musudan missile, from the eastern city of Wonsan. This was the 4th attempt at testing the Musudan in 2016.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
April 28, 2016
Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea conducted a failed missile launch, of what was believed to be a Musudan missile, an intermediate-range ballistic missile.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
April 23, 2016
Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea test-launched a KN-11 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from a Sinpo-class submarine in the East Sea. Though North Korea called it a succesful launch, the missile exploded after flying about 30km, well before it reached its normal trajectory.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
April 15, 2016
Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea conducted a failed test-launch of a medium-range ballistic missile for the anniversary of Kim Il Sung’s birthday. The missile, believed to be a Musudan, exploded mid-air during the initial stages. This would be North Korea’s first attempt at test-launching a Musudan missile, if confirmed.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
April 6, 2016
Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea attempted to test-launch a ballistic missile from a Sinpo-class submarine in the East Sea. The test was halted due to malfunctions.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
April 1, 2016
Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile Launch
North Korea fired 5 surface-to-air missiles, presumed to be KN-06, from South Hamgyong Province into the East Sea.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
March 29, 2016
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired a short-range projectile from an area near Wonsan into the East Sea.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
March 21, 2016
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 5 short-range ballistic missiles from a location near Hamhung into the East Sea.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
March 7-18, 2016
Key Resolve Exercises
The U.S. and ROK militaries participated in Key Resolve, a command post exercise (CPX) with a focus on crisis management. The exercise, held along with the annual Foal Eagle Exercises, were the largest to date with a combined total of 317,000 ROK and U.S. troops. An aircraft carrier, the USS John C. Stenis, also participated.
March 18, 2016
Medium-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 missiles from an area near Sukchon. The first missile, believed to be a Nodong, landed within the Japanese ADIZ in the East Sea. The second missile seems to have blown up mid-air.
March 7-April 30, 2016
Foal Eagle Exercises
About 17,000 U.S. and over 300,000 ROK soldiers took part in the combined field training exercise Foal Eagle, making it the largest scale ever. The USS John C. Stennis, an aircraft carrier, also participated in the training exercises. This year’s exercises also featured the new OPLAN 5015 that reportedly included exercises for removing DPRK’s weapons of mass destruction and preparations for a preemptive strike.
March 7-18, 2016
Key Resolve Exercises
The U.S. and ROK militaries participated in Key Resolve, a command post exercise (CPX) with a focus on crisis management. The exercise, held along with the annual Foal Eagle Exercises, were the largest to date with a combined total of 317,000 ROK and U.S. troops. An aircraft carrier, the USS John C. Stenis, also participated.
March 10, 2016
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea launched 2 missiles, likely Scuds, into the East Sea. They were launched from Hwangju County in North Hwanghae Province.
March 3, 2016
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 6 short-range projectiles into the East Sea from a location near Wonsan. They were presumed to be short-range missiles such as KN-01, or missiles fired from a 300-millimeter multiple launch rocket system.
February 7, 2016
Satellite Launch
Controversy erupted when the North Koreans launched a rocket into orbit, the earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-4, which the international community viewed as a testing of its inter-continential ballistic missile capabilities.
January 6, 2016
Nuclear Test
North Korea conducted its fourth nuclear test at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. North Korea claimed it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.
August 17-28, 2015
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian Exercises
The Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercise, which involves all services, is designed to enhance Combined Forces Command (CFC) readiness, protect the region, and maintain stability on the Korean peninsula. About 80,000 U.S. and ROK soldiers took part in UFG 15.
August 20, 2015
DMZ Exchange of Fire
North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire near Yeoncheon, northwest of Seoul.
August 4, 2015
Land Mine Explosion
Three landmines, presumably buried by the North Koreans, exploded South of the DMZ, injuring two South Korean soldiers on patrol. The incident resulted in no deaths, but one solder needed his leg amputated, the other both.
June 14, 2015
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launch
North Korea fired 3 KN-01 missiles from a site near Wonsan.
May 9, 2015
Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea claimed to have successfully test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). However, multiple sources concur that the photographs North Korea released had been doctored, and concluded that their SLBM capabilities were as of yet, still unrealized.
March 2-April 24, 2015
Foal Eagle Exercises
Foal Eagle (FE) exercise was held with 12,300 U.S. soldiers and over 210,000 ROK soldiers participating. FE 15 involved the participation of a littoral combat ship (LCS), the USS Fort Worth for the 1st time in exercises history.
April 3, 2015
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea test-fired 4 short-range ballistic missiles into the West Sea from Dongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province. They were likely KN-02 missiles.
March 2-April 24, 2015
Foal Eagle Exercises
Foal Eagle (FE) exercise was held with 12,300 U.S. soldiers and over 210,000 ROK soldiers participating. FE 15 involved the participation of a littoral combat ship (LCS), the USS Fort Worth for the 1st time in exercises history.
April 2, 2015
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 4 short-range ballistic missiles, presumably KN-02 from Dongchang-ri in the north of the country. ROK Joint Chief of Staff mentioned in its statement the missiles had a range of about 140 km.
March 2-April 24, 2015
Foal Eagle Exercises
Foal Eagle (FE) exercise was held with 12,300 U.S. soldiers and over 210,000 ROK soldiers participating. FE 15 involved the participation of a littoral combat ship (LCS), the USS Fort Worth for the 1st time in exercises history.
March 2-March 13, 2015
Key Resolve Exercises
Key Resolve (KR) 2015 involved computer simulations that allowed senior U.S. and ROK leaders to exercise their decision-making capabilities. Military commanders were also trained in combined planning, military intelligence, logistics and command and control operations. About 12,300 U.S. and over 210,000 ROK soldiers participated in KR 15.
March 2, 2015
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea from the western port city of Nampo. The missiles are presumed to be Scud-C based on their range, which was estimated to be 490 km.
February 8, 2015
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 5 short-range ballistic missiles from a location near Wonsan into the East Sea.
February 7, 2015
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launch
North Korea test-fired an anti-ship cruise missile that resembles the Russian KH-35 missile. It was fired from a Korean People’s Navy (KPN) East Sea Fleet vessel.
October 19, 2014
DMZ Exchange of Fire
South Korea fired warning shots towards 10 North Korean soldiers who were approaching the military demarcation line (MDL) in Paju after broadcasting warning messages. The North Koreans fired back, to which the South Koreans also returned fire.
October 10, 2014
DMZ Exchange of Fire
South and North Korea exchanged fire across their border after a group of South Korean activists had sent leaflets flying into the North from the border town of Yeoncheon.
October 7, 2014
NLL Exchange of Fire
North and South Korean patrol boats briefly exchanged fire near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea following the North Korean vessel’s violation of the NLL border.
August 18-29, 2014
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian Exercises
The 2014 Ulchi -Freedom Guardian exercises carried out by the U.S. and ROK militaries involved more than 30,000 U.S. and 50,000 ROK soldiers.
July 26, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired a Scud missile into the East Sea, on the eve of the anniversary of the signing of the armistice. The missile was launched from Jangsan Cape, in South Hwanghae Province.
July 13, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 Scud missiles into the East Sea. They were launched from near the border city of Kaesong, about 20 km from the military demarcation line (MDL).
July 9, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea launched 2 Scud missiles from Hwanghae province in a northeasterly direction. The missiles landed in the East Sea.
June 29, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 Scud missiles into the East Sea, 4 days before President Xi Jinping’s visit to South Korea.
June 26, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 3 short-range missiles from a location near Wonsan into the East Sea. North Korea claimed they were testing newly developed precision guided missiles.
May 22, 2014
NLL Exchange of Fire
North Korea fired artillery near a South Korean warship on patrol near the Northern Limit Line. The South Korean vessel was not hit, and responded by firing several shells into North Korean waters near a North Korean patrol boat.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Foal Eagle Exercises
The 2014 Foal Eagle exercise involved about 7,500 U.S. soldiers and a combined total of 200,000 ROK soldiers. The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur also participated in the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises.
March 31, 2014
NLL Exchange of Fire
North Korea held a live-fire exercise near the Northern Limit Line (NLL), after sending out a no-sail zone warning. South Korea responded by firing rounds from K-9 self-propelled howitzers as several artillery shells from the North fell south of the NLL.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Foal Eagle Exercises
The 2014 Foal Eagle exercise involved about 7,500 U.S. soldiers and a combined total of 200,000 ROK soldiers. The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur also participated in the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises.
March 26, 2014
Medium-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 Nodong missiles from Sukchon, into the East Sea, its first tests of the Nodong since 2009. It is also the four-year anniversary since the sinking of the Cheonan, and the first time President Park Geun-hye and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met since taking office, for a trilateral meeting with the U.S. on the sidelines of the nuclear security summit in Hague.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Foal Eagle Exercises
The 2014 Foal Eagle exercise involved about 7,500 U.S. soldiers and a combined total of 200,000 ROK soldiers. The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur also participated in the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises.
March 23, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea test-fired 16 short-range Free Rocket Over Ground (FROG) missiles, from Wonsan into the East Sea.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Foal Eagle Exercises
The 2014 Foal Eagle exercise involved about 7,500 U.S. soldiers and a combined total of 200,000 ROK soldiers. The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur also participated in the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises.
March 22, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea launched 30 short-range missiles into the East Sea from Wonsan. As with the March 16 test-launches, North Korea failed to send out navigational warning to ships and aircrafts in the area.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Foal Eagle Exercises
The 2014 Foal Eagle exercise involved about 7,500 U.S. soldiers and a combined total of 200,000 ROK soldiers. The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur also participated in the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises.
March 16, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea launched 25 short-range missiles on March 16. The missiles, appeared to be Free Rocket Over Ground (FROG), were launched from Wonsan and landed in the East Sea after traveling approximately 70 km.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Foal Eagle Exercises
The 2014 Foal Eagle exercise involved about 7,500 U.S. soldiers and a combined total of 200,000 ROK soldiers. The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur also participated in the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Key Resolve Exercises
The U.S. and ROK militaries conducted Key Resolve exercises to improve combined force operational capabilities, coordination, and deployment of U.S. reinforcement forces. About 5,200 U.S. soldiers and 10,000 ROK soldiers participated in KR 14.
March 3, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 short-range missiles, one from Gitdaeryeong and the other from Wonsan, into a northeasterly direction. The missiles were Scud-class, and landed in Japan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ). They landed 400-500 km northwest of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Foal Eagle Exercises
The 2014 Foal Eagle exercise involved about 7,500 U.S. soldiers and a combined total of 200,000 ROK soldiers. The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur also participated in the U.S.-ROK joint military exercises.
February 24-April 18, 2014
Key Resolve Exercises
The U.S. and ROK militaries conducted Key Resolve exercises to improve combined force operational capabilities, coordination, and deployment of U.S. reinforcement forces. About 5,200 U.S. soldiers and 10,000 ROK soldiers participated in KR 14.
February 27, 2014
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 4 short-range ballistic missiles, likely Scuds, from its Gitdaeryeong area on the North’s southeastern coast, into the East Sea.
August 19-30, 2013
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian Exercises
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian, computerized command-and-control exercises carried out by the U.S. and ROK militaries, involved about 30,000 U.S. and 50,000 ROK soldiers in 2013.
August 29, 2013
Nuclear Fuel Reactor Operation
Operation of the second nuclear reactor in Yongbyon started.
May 20, 2013
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 short-range missiles into the East Sea. The projectiles fired are thought to be KN-02 short-range missiles or 300mm artillery rockets.
May 19, 2013
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired a short-range missile into the East Sea.
May 18, 2013
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea fired 3 short-range missiles into the East Sea, two in the morning and another in the afternoon. The missiles launched may be modified anti-ship missiles or the KN-02 short-range ballistic missiles that has a range of 120 km.
March 1-April 30, 2013
Foal Eagle Exercises
Exercise Foal Eagle 2013 was held with about 10,000 U.S. soldiers and a combined tital of 210,000 ROK soldiers.
April 2, 2013
Nuclear Fuel Reactor Operation
North Korea announced it would restart the Yongbyon 5MWe nuclear reactor for plutonium production. Satellite imagery from March 2013 had indicated that North Korea had started connecting the reactor’s secondary cooling system to the pump house adjacent to the experimental light water reactor.
March 11-21, 2013
Key Resolve Exercises
Key Resolve exercises were carried out by the U.S. and ROK militaries with about 3,500 U.S. soldiers and 10,000 ROK soldiers participating in KR 13. This was the first year that KR was led by the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, not the Combined Forces Command (CFC).
February 12, 2013
Nuclear Test
North Korea conducted the third underground nuclear test at Punggye-ri nuclear test site.
December 12, 2012
Satellite Launch
North Korea launched a Kwangmyongsong satellite (Unha-3 rocket) and claimed to have successfully placed it into orbit. Rocket was launched from the Dongchang-ri launch site towards the South.
August 13-30, 2012
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian Exercises
The U.S. and ROK militaries carried out Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercises to improve combined planning, military intelligence, logistics and command and control operations.
March 1-April 30, 2012
Foal Eagle Exercises
Foal Eagle exercises were held by the U.S. and ROK militaries in conjunction with Key Resolve exercises. About 11,000 U.S. soldiers and 200,000 ROK soldiers participated in KR/FE 12.
April 13, 2012
Failed Satellite Launch
North Korea attempted to launch a Unha-3 rocket, but it broke apart 81 seconds into flight, then fell into the ocean. North Korea later admitted its failure.
March 1-April 30, 2012
Foal Eagle Exercises
Foal Eagle exercises were held by the U.S. and ROK militaries in conjunction with Key Resolve exercises. About 11,000 U.S. soldiers and 200,000 ROK soldiers participated in KR/FE 12.
March 29, 2012
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 KN-01 short-range anti-ship cruise missiles from its west coast in North Pyongan Province.
February 27- March 9, 2012
Key Resolve Exercises
Key Resolve is a command post exercise (CPX) with a focus on crisis management that includes a peninsula-wide computer simulation to help improve combined force’s operation capabilities, coordination, and execution of the deployment of U.S. reinforcement forces. About 2,000 U.S. soldiers and 10,000 ROK soldiers participated in KR 12.
August 16-26, 2011
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian Exercises
The U.S. and ROK militaries conducted the Ulchi-Freedom Guardian exercise. More than 530,000 troops from the U.S., the ROK, and seven United Nations Command sending state nations took part in UFG 11.
June 8, 2011
Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile Launch
North Korea fired a KN-06 surface-to-air missile from North Pyongan Province into the Yellow Sea.
February 28 – March 31, 2011
Foal Eagle Exercises
Foal Eagle, a combined field training exercise (FTX), were held with Combined Forces Command (CFC) and USFK component commands (ground, air, naval, and special operations). About 12,800 U.S. soldiers and 200,000 ROK soldiers participated in KR/FE 11.
February 28 – March 10, 2011
Key Resolve Exercises
About 2,300 U.S. soldiers and more than 10,000 ROK soldiers participated in the Key Resolve 11 combined military exercise.
November 23, 2010
Shelling of Yeonpyeong Island
North Korea fired 170 artillery shots at a ROK Marine detachment and civilian residences on Yeonpyeong Island near the Northern Limit Line in the West Sea. Two ROK Marines and two civilians were killed, while 16 Marines and other civilians were injured. A total of 133 buildings on the island were damaged as a result of the attack.
November 11, 2010
Uranium Enrichment Program Disclosure
North Korea disclosed a uranium enrichment facility to Dr. Sigfried Hecker, a U.S. nuclear specialist at Stanford University
August 16 – 26, 2010
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian Exercises
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian is a computerized command-and-control exercise led by the Combined Forces Command (CFC) that involves computer simulations to allow U.S. and ROK senior leaders to exercise their decision-making capabilities and train military commanders in combined planning, military intelligence, logistics and command and control operations. More than 27,000 U.S. and 500,000 ROK soldiers took part in UFG 2010.
March 26, 2010
Sinking of the ROKS Cheonan
The ROK Navy corvette Cheonan sank in the Yellow Sea just south of the Northern Limit Line near Baengnyeong Island after an explosion in the ship’s stern ripped it in two. Of the 104 South Korean sailors on board, 58 were rescued; 46 are dead or remain missing. The explosion was later determined by an international investigation to have been caused by a North Korean torpedo.
March 8 – 18, 2010
Key Resolve/Foal Eagle Exercises
Key Resolve, a command post exercise (CPX) with a focus on crisis management, was carried out in conjunction with Foal Eagle, a U.S.-ROK combined field training exercise involving Combined Forces Command (CFC) and USFK component commands. Approximately 18,000 U.S. soldiers participated in KR/FE 10.
January 31, 2010
No-Sail Zone Declared
North Korea announced 5 additional no-sail zones from January 31 to February 2.
January 27, 2010
Artillery Fire
North Korea fired about 30 artillery rounds into the West Sea toward NLL. South Korea immediately responded with 100 warning shots from a marine base near the sea border. North Korea later claimed the firing had been part of an annual military drill and firing would continue.
January 26, 2010
No-Sail Zone Declared
North Korea declared a no-sail zone in the West Sea from January 25 to March 29.
November 10, 2009
Daecheong Naval Campaign
North Korean patrol boats aimed shots at an area located at the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea near Daecheong Island, with one of the North Korean patrol boats crossing the NLL. The patrol boat fired 50 rounds at ROK Navy vessels, and was severely damaged after retaliation from the ROK’s patrol killer mediums (PKMs). One North Korean sailor was killed and three others injured.
October 12, 2009
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
5 short-range missiles, reportedly surface-to-surface KN-02 missiles, were fired into the East Sea from its eastern coast.
August 17 – 28, 2009
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian Exercises
Ulchi-Freedom Guardian (UFG) exercises were conducted with the U.S. and ROK militaries. About 10,000 U.S. soldiers and 56,000 ROK soldiers participated in UFG 09.
July 30, 2009
Fishing Boat Seizure at NLL
North Korean patrol boat captured South Korean fishing vessel Yeonan 800, with 4 crew members for crossing the Northern Limit Line (NLL).
July 4, 2009
Medium-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea launched 5 Scud missiles and 2 Nodong missiles from Gitdaeryeong, Kangwon Province.
July 2, 2009
Short-range Missile Launch
North Korea test-fired 4 surface-to-ship missiles from Sinsang-ri, Hambuk Province.
May 26, 2009
Short-range Missile Launch
North Korea launched 3 surface-to-ship missiles and a surface-to-air missile.
May 25, 2009
Nuclear Test / Short-range Missile Launch
North Korea conducted its second nuclear test at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, located in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province. The explosion occured underground and the explosive yield was only a few kilotons. It also attempted a short-range missile launch.
April 05, 2009
Satellite Launch
North Korea launched the Kwangmyongsong-2 satellite (Unha-2 ICBM) but the test is deemed a failure after the entire payload exploded mid-air and crashed into the Pacific Ocean.
March 9 – 20, 2009
Key Resolve/Foal Eagle Exercises
Approximately 18,000 U.S. soldiers participated in Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 09.
October 7, 2008
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 short-range anti-ship cruise missiles into the Yellow Sea, likely KN-01.
August 18 – 22, 2008
Ulchi-Focus Guardian Exercises
The first time Ulchi-Focus Guardian exercises were held after its name was changed from Ulchi Focus Lens (UFL). This was also the first time the ROK military took the leading role in the exercise’s 34-year history. UFG is a computerized command-and-control exercise led by the Combined Forces Command (CFC) that involves computer simulations to allow U.S. and ROK senior leaders to exercise their decision-making capabilities and train military commanders in combined planning, military intelligence, logistics and command and control operations.
May 28, 2008
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launch
North Korea test-fired 3 short-range missiles, believed to be either P-20 Styx or SY-1 anti-ship cruise missiles, from its west coast into the West Sea.
March 30, 2008
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launch
North Korea fired 3 short-range ballistic missiles, believed to be Styx missiles, into the West Sea. Two out of three reportedly misfired.
March 2 – 7, 2008
Key Resolve/Foal Eagle Exercises
This is the first time the Key Resolve/Foal Eagle Exercises were held after a name change from RSOI/Foal Eagle in 2007. Key Resolve is a command post exercise (CPX) that trains staff instead of field units, unlike RSOI, and with a focus on crisis management that includes a peninsula-wide computer simulation to help improve combined force’s operation capabilities, coordination, and execution of the deployment of U.S. reinforcement forces. Foal Eagle is a U.S.-ROK combined field training exerise (FTX). The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz participated in the 2008 KR/FE.
August 20 – 31, 2007
Ulchi-Focus Lens Exercises
UlchI-Focus Lens (UFL) is a computerized command-and-control exercise led by the Combined Forces Command (CFC) designed to evaluate and improve combined and joint coordination, procedures, plans and systems for conducting operations criticial to the defense of the Korean Peninsula. About 10,000 U.S troops participated in UFL 07.
June 27, 2007
Short-range Ballistic Missile Launch
North Korea launched 3 KN-02 SRBMs into the East Sea from the East coast.
June 7, 2007
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launch
North Korea fired 2 KN-01 short-range anti-ship cruise missiles from its West coast.
May 25, 2007
Short-range Missile Launch
North Korea fired surface-to-ship missiles from both the East and West coast.
March 25 – 31, 2007
RSOI/Foal Eagle Exercises
Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) and Foal Eagle (FE) are combined/joint exercise designed to enhance overall readiness and alliance building. FE is a combined field training exerise (FTX) with a series of several joint and combined field training operations conducted by Combined Forces Command (CFC) and USFK component commands (ground, air, naval, and special operations). The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan participated in FE 07.
October 9, 2006
Nuclear Test
North Korea conducted the first nuclear weapons test at the underground facility in Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, located in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province. The explosion yield was less than a kiloton.
August 21 – September 1, 2006
Ulchi-Focus Lens Exercises
The U.S. and ROK militaries carried out UlchI-Focus Lens exercises in 2006 with about 10,000 U.S troops participating.
July 4, 2006
Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile/Short-Range Missile Launches
North Korea conducted three launches with a total of 7 missiles, including a failed-test of the Taepodong-2 ICBM, Nodong MRBMs, and Scud SRBMs. The Taepodong-2 was launched from the Tonghae test facility, and the latter from Gitdaeryeong Missile Test Site.
March 24 – 31, 2006
RSOI/Foal Eagle Exercises
Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) and Foal Eagle (FE) exercises were held to improve alliance capabilities and coordination. About 70 U.S. and ROK Navy ships and more than 100 aircraft participated in FE 06.
August 22 – September 2, 2005
Ulchi-Focus Lens Exercises
UlchI-Focus Lens (UFL) is a computerized command-and-control exercise led by the Combined Forces Command (CFC) designed to evaluate and improve combined and joint coordination, procedures, plans and systems for conducting operations criticial to the defense of the Korean Peninsula.
May 1, 2005
Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Launch
North Korea launched a KN-01 short-range anti-ship cruise missile into the East Sea.
March 19 – 25, 2005
RSOI/Foal Eagle Exercises
Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) and Foal Eagle (FE) are combined/joint exercise designed to enhance overall readiness and alliance building. FE is a combined field training exerise (FTX) with a series of several joint and combined field training operations conducted by Combined Forces Command (CFC) and USFK component commands (ground, air, naval, and special operations).
