US Defence Secretary indicated that the US has deployed a missile defense system in Hawaii against a potential North Korean long range missile threat1. Reports however doubted the ability of Pyongyang to hit continental United States. While the Taepodong-2 could theoretically cross the pacific, series of launch failures encountered by it have ensures that the technology is not proven. US officials have however noted that past launch failures cannot fully account for the current status of North Korean missile capabilities2.

Japanese media reported that Pyongyang could be readying itself for a long-range missile test on July 4. Sources suggested that a long-range missile was dispatched to North Korea’s newly-built Tongchang-ri launch site

• 1. “US Officials: No Indication North Korean missiles can hit Hawaii, interceptors a prudent step,” The Canadian Press, June 19, 2009, at http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocum...
• 2. “US Readies Missile Defense Before North Korea Test”, National Public Radio, June 26, 2009, http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocum...