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US 'to boost missile defences', to counter North Korea US to boost nuclear missile defences, to counter North Korea
(35 minutes later)
The Pentagon is expected to announce plans to boost missile defences on the US West Coast to counter the threat from North Korea. US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has announced plans to boost missile defences on the US West Coast to counter the threat from North Korea.
The US plans to add 14 interceptors, which can shoot down missiles in flight, to those already in place in California and Alaska, officials say. He said the US would add 14 interceptors, which can shoot down missiles in flight, to 30 already in place in California and Alaska by 2017.
US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel is set to outline the decision at 15:00 (19:00 GMT) on Friday. Mr Hagel cited a "series of irresponsible and reckless provocations" recently by North Korea.
Tensions have escalated after North Korea's third nuclear test last month. Tensions have risen after Pyongyang's third nuclear test last month.
Only last week, the Pyongyang regime, which is known for its fiery rhetoric, threatened the US with a pre-emptive nuclear strike. Only last week North Korea, which is known for its fiery rhetoric, threatened the US with a pre-emptive nuclear strike.
However, analysts say that North Korea's missiles do not have the capability to reach the continental United States. However, analysts say that the isolated country's missiles do not have the capability to reach the continental United States.
In a speech on Tuesday, James Miller, defence undersecretary for policy, noted that the Pentagon had the ability to deploy the additional missile interceptors "if needed".
He did not say in that speech that a decision had been reached to do so.
"As we think about our homeland missile-defence posture, we do not have a 'just-in-time' policy,'' Mr Miller said.
"Our policy is to stay ahead of the threat, and to continue to ensure that we are ahead of any potential future Iranian or North Korean ICBM capability.''
He added "North Korea's shrill public pronouncements" underlined the need for the US to continue to develop defensive capabilities.