The U.S. Defense Department says it could “likely” intercept a long-range North Korean missile before it reaches the American mainland.

Charles McQueary, director of operational tests and evaluation, told Bloomberg News that an the chance of interception is "likely" but not “highly likely.”

He also said Washington will likely launch multiple rockets at the incoming missile to raise the chance of interception.

South Korea and U.S. intelligence have reportedly detected signs at the Musudan-ri launch site in North Korea showing Pyongyang preparing to launch a Taepodong-2 long-range missile.