US tests ability to shoot down North Korean missiles

The Pentagon will conduct two major tests next May of its ability to shoot down North Korean missiles, CNN reported.

Standard Missile 6 missile test fired from USS Dewey in 2011 - Photo: US Navy

In fact, these tests have been scheduled for a long time and are part of the US's overall ballistic missile defense program. However, on April 18, US defense officials said the upcoming test will be aimed at countering the threat from North Korea.

The above goal was emphasized in the context of the particularly tense US-North Korea relations in recent times. The administration of US President Donald Trump has shown tough moves against the development of North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

Especially on April 15, the international public was very concerned about North Korea conducting its 6th nuclear test, a step that could easily lead to a "preemptive strike" like Mr. Trump did in Syria and Afghanistan this April. But fortunately, nothing unfortunate happened, even though a day later, North Korea was said to have unsuccessfully fired a ballistic missile.

In information about the above test, CNN quoted a defense official saying that one of the upcoming Pentagon activities includes test-firing a Standard Missile from a Navy ship.

The missile has only been tested once before. The new version is said to have an improved warhead and booster, meaning it can be fired at a longer range, estimated to exceed the North Korean coast and be capable of intercepting threatening enemy missiles. The program has been developed by the US and Japan, and is aimed at shooting down North Korea's medium-range missiles.

Another test in the Pacific region scheduled for late May will test the ability to shoot down intercontinental ballistic missiles, the type of weapon North Korea could use to threaten the United States, according to CNN.

According to TTO