The United States has activated its ground-based interceptor missile-defense system over concerns about an expected North Korean missile launch, a U.S. defense official confirmed on Tuesday. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed a Washington Times report that the Pentagon has moved the multibillion-dollar system from test mode to operational. “It's good to be ready,” the official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Asked whether the United States would try to shoot down a North Korean missile, Pentagon spokesman Eric Ruff did not answer directly. “We have a limited missile-defense system,” he said. “We don't discuss the alert status or the specific capabilities.” U.S. Northern Command spokesman Michael Kucharek declined to comment on the alert status of the ground-based interceptors, but said, “As the command tasked with homeland defense, U.S. Northern Command is prepared to do what is necessary to defend this nation.” The United States has constructed a system of interceptor missiles, radar stations, and data relays designed to detect and shoot down an enemy missile, but tests of the system have had mixed results. Nine interceptor missiles have been installed in Alaska, and two are in California. Naval ships with long-range tracking and surveillance capability are stationed in the Sea of Japan.
