South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch but did not immediately disclose the type of weapon fired or provide further operational details. Seoul: North Korea launched an unidentified projectile toward waters off its east coast on Thursday, South Korea's military said, in the latest demonstration of Pyongyang's expanding weapons programme. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launch but did not immediately disclose the type of weapon fired or provide further operational details. "The launch took place on Thursday," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, without elaborating on the nature or trajectory of the projectile. Analysts say Pyongyang is seeking international recognition as a nuclear-armed state to strengthen its bargaining position and push for the easing of international sanctions.