WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On January 6, North Korea carried out a nuclear weapons test, which it claimed was a hydrogen bomb. The action was met with widespread condemnation by members of the international community who referred to the test as provocative and destabilizing.
"We are absolutely on the right path to stay ahead of that threat," Syring stated on Tuesday of the recent North Korean nuclear weapons test.
Syring explained that the MDA’s ballistic missile defense programs are "vitally important to stay ahead" of the North Korean nuclear threat.
The MDA is not planning any changes to its BMD program in the aftermath of the North Korean nuclear test, Syring stated, noting "if it was warranted, you would see our program change."
The full scope of North Korea’s missile program is not publicly known, but experts believe Pyongyang controls up to 1,000 missiles of varying strike ranges. On January 8, following its nuclear test, North Korea tested a submarine launched missile.
US officials have stated that the recent tests do not reflect an increased technical capability.
