The US is preparing for a series of tests against missiles to see if they can effectively shoot them down. The news comes after the recent talks of nuclear warfare with NK and other threats to the nation. The missiles are (should be) able to take out any threat, launched from a Navy ship.

Pretty cool technology imo.

Quote Originally Posted by CNN
The Pentagon will conduct two major high-stakes tests in May of its ability to shoot down missiles launched out of North Korea.

The long-scheduled tests in the Pacific are part of the US military's overall ballistic missile defense program -- but are, for now at least, aimed at ensuring the US can defend against a threat from North Korea, US defense officials said.
One of the actions will involve test-firing an improved Standard Missile off a Navy ship, a defense official said.
The upgraded missile has only been tested once before. The new version has an improved booster and warhead. That means the missile could fire at longer ranges, presumably farther from the North Korean coastline, and have a greater chance of hitting the threatening incoming missile.

The program has been in development with Japan and is aimed at shooting down intermediate-range North Korean missiles that pose a threat to the US ally.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/18/politi...rea/index.html