The United States is trying to strengthen missile defense capabilities to cope with threats from North Korea, especially the road-mobile, intercontinental ballistic missile KN-08, feared to be capable of reaching U.S. territory, a top American missile official said.
  

"We're constantly aware of the threat's evolution, including the KN-O8," he said. "And we constantly monitor other technologies that may feed the KN-O8 ... And suffice it to say that we have effort underway to pace and stay ahead of the threat," Missile Defense Agency Director Vice Adm. James Syring said.
  

Syring spoke at a press briefing late Monday on the agency's budget for fiscal year 2016.
  

Asked if the agency set aside any funds specifically to meet the KN-08 threat, Syring said all of the budget for radar and other discrimination improvements would be helpful.
  

North Korea is believed to have carried out a series of engine tests for the KN-08 missile since late 2013 as part of efforts to deploy the weapon. The missile is believed to have a range of at least 5,500 km, which puts Alaska at risk.
  

Adm. Samuel Locklear, the outgoing commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, said in September that the North is taking steps to deploy the KN-08. He also expressed concern the missile is harder to keep an eye on as it can be launched from mobile launchers. (Yonhap)