North Korea launched an unidentified projectile toward the sea off its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea’s military said, in the latest demonstration of Pyongyang’s weapons activity amid heightened regional tensions.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launch was detected early Tuesday but provided no immediate details on the type of projectile or how far it travelled. Military officials said they were analysing the launch in coordination with the United States to determine its characteristics and intent.

The launch comes as North Korea continues a series of missile and weapons tests that have drawn condemnation from South Korea, Japan and the United States. Such launches violate United Nations Security Council resolutions that ban Pyongyang from developing and testing ballistic missile technology.

North Korea has defended its weapons programs as necessary for self-defence, citing what it describes as hostile policies and joint military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea. Analysts say the tests are often used by Pyongyang to apply pressure during diplomatic stand-offs or ahead of major regional or domestic political events.

South Korea’s military said it remains on high alert and is closely monitoring further developments.