Due to the severe economic slump, the United States recently announced that it would make substantial cuts to its costly and controversial missile defense program. Several new parts of the planned shield are to be canceled.
Critics say the cuts are being made just when the threat from North Korean missiles to the U.S., its forces deployed in Asia, and its allies and friends in the region is increasing. Among U.S. allies, Japan and South Korea are the most affected.
Following reports that North Korea is preparing more missile launches with ranges that could reach U.S. territory in the Pacific, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said June 18 that he had ordered special measures to protect Hawaii, which is 7,100 km from North Korea.