News - National
US to beef up missile defense on West Coast
Posted: Mar 15, 2013 11:36 AM by Jeff Langan
Updated: Mar 15, 2013 11:39 AM
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration has decided to add 14 interceptors on the West Coast to the U.S.-based missile defense system.
Defense officials confirm the move, saying it's in response to recent threats from North Korea to attack the U.S. with nuclear weapons. U.S. officials believe North Korea is incapable of carrying out an attack, but the threat adds to tension between the two countries.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel plans to announce the decision later Friday. It was first reported by Fox News.
The officials confirmed the decision on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.
Adding the interceptors to the 30 already in place in California and Alaska will beef up the ability to shoot down missiles in flight. The defense system has existed since 2004.
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