S. Korea, U.S., 38 other countries call for advance notice of ICBM, SLBM launches in joint statement

On August 11, South Korea, the United States, Japan, and 37 other nations released a joint statement urging all countries to provide advance notice of launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and space launch vehicles (SLVs). This request followed China's unannounced launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean on July 6, which prompted criticism from the U.S. and other countries. The statement did not specifically name China.

The countries emphasized the need for all nations, especially nuclear-weapon states, to provide notification of ICBM, SLBM, and SLV launches at least 24 hours in advance. They stated that launches without sufficient advance notice are dangerous and disrupt the peace of nations near the tests. Notifications should include details such as the generic class of the missile or SLV, the planned launch window, the launch site, and the intended direction.

Countries should also provide clear notices for airmen and mariners, adhering to international standards, to minimize risks, including potential impact and landing areas.

The statement highlighted that regularized and transparent notification arrangements do not hinder any nation's military development or operational needs. Instead, they reduce the risk of miscalculation, enhance confidence, and demonstrate a collective commitment to security. The 145 countries involved are already part of the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation, a mechanism for providing advance notification of ballistic missile launches to affected nations.