A news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test (Picture: AFP via Getty Images) North Korea has fired at least one ballistic missile, according to the Japanese Ministry of Defence. The missile is believed to have been launched northeastwards from near North Korea’s east coast at around 3pm on August 20 towards the Sea of Japan. It is also believed to have landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Japan’s Ministry of Defense said it was continuing to monitor the situation and analyse information about the launch. The missile is estimated to have travelled around 440km and reached a maximum altitude of approximately 60km before landing in the Sea of Japan. There have been no reports of damage to aircraft or ships following the launch. Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi speaks during a conference at the Ministry of Defence (Picture: AFP via Getty Images) Prime Minister Takaichi ordered officials to gather and analyse information, provide the public with accurate updates and check the safety of aircraft and ships in the area. Officials have also been instructed to take all necessary precautions in case of any further developments. The South Korean military said the missile was launched from near Wonsan on North Korea’s east coast at around the same time. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had strengthened surveillance and was maintaining a state of readiness while sharing information closely with the US and Japan. The launch is the ninth this year of a ballistic missile or suspected ballistic missile by North Korea, according to Japan’s Ministry of Defense. The latest launch comes amid heightened monitoring of North Korea’s weapons activity in the region.