The U.S. seeks to bolster missile defenses in the Pacific territory of Guam as part of Washington’s “comprehensive missile defeat strategy” against North Korea, senior defense officials have told Congress, amid concerns about the U.S. ability to counter advancing DPRK capabilities.

Addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee’s subcommittee on strategic forces on Tuesday, Missile Defense Agency director Vice Adm. Jon Hill stated that the Pentagon is improving the territory’s capabilities and capacity to defend against “diverse missile threats.”

“In collaboration with the Army and Navy, we are moving toward meeting an INDOPACOM requirement for a persistent 360-degree layered defense capability