IMPROVING THE GROUND-BASED INTERCEPTOR: The next U.S. ICBM intercept will test new command and control technology.

Given the North Korea threat, missile defense upgrades are progressing at a crucial time for the Pentagon’s Ground-Based midcourse defense. Following the completion of current Pentagon review of nuclear weapons, policy and defenses, there is a distinct possibility that funding for missile defense technology will continue to climb.

Yes, the North Korean threat’s for real.

RELATED: A GBI being placed in a silo at Fort Greely, Alaska.