U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says the danger from North Korea is increasing.

Hagel told reporters at the Pentagon Thursday that the North’s provocative actions and belligerent tone have ratcheted up the danger and such a reality must be taken into account.

Hagel said the Pentagon’s latest announcement about adding more ground-based ballistic missile interceptors to its arsenal along the U.S. West Coast is to guard against increased threats from North Korea.

The secretary said despite the seriousness of North Korea's threats, the U.S. is ready to counter any unpredictable provocation from the North.

Concerning the B-2 bombers that took part in South Korea-U.S. military exercises lately, Hagel said the bomber drills were aimed at protection and not to provoke Pyongyang.