US, South Korea, and Japan Collaborate to Track North Korean Missile Launches

US, South Korea, and Japan are collaborating to enhance their capabilities in tracking North Korean missile launches. The three countries have agreed to share real-time data about North Korean missile warnings by the end of this year. The US Space Force officials emphasized the importance of closer space integration between the allies to effectively monitor North Korean threats and respond in case of a conflict. While the specifics of the trilateral cooperation are still being discussed, meetings are planned for personnel to collaborate and share processes and procedures. South Korea and Japan currently rely on land and sea-based radars for tracking missile launches, but there is a recognition of the need to incorporate space-based capabilities for a comprehensive view of potential threats. The collaboration comes as North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan on the same day as joint military drills by the US and South Korea. The type of missile launched is still being assessed.