The US has delayed an intercontinental ballistic missile test scheduled for next week, defence officials say.

BBC: North Korea tension prompts US missile test delay

The Navy plans to continue using the extremely reliable Lockheed Martin D-5 ballistic missile, which has seen 135 consecutive test launches without mishap.

FORBES: The Submarine That Might Save America

Over the weekend, the US cancelled a scheduled test of its Minuteman 3 ballistic missile, citing concerns that it could be misinterpreted by Pyongyang.

BBC: North Korea suspends works at Kaesong industrial zone

It is the only place on earth where, under the anti-ballistic missile treaty, the United States was allowed to test its strategic interceptor missiles, a key component of President Bush's missile-defence programme, sometimes known as Star Wars II.

ECONOMIST: A new agreement for America's missile range

The test, in which an Aegis ballistic missile cruiser shot down a target fired from Hawaii, was the first exo-atmospheric kinetic intercept of a ballistic missile in the ascent phase of flight, and the third intercept from an Aegis warship.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Sea change in missile defense

However, its baseline version of the interceptor is already quite capable, which is why the Navy will conduct a test this spring to see how it fares against a Trident ballistic missile flying a longer, faster trajectory than the service currently is postured to counter.

FORBES: Missile Defense Becomes A Navy Mission

Biden is "Dr. No" with respect to pursuing development, test and deployment of missile defenses incompatible with the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: ��Dr. No,' Meet ��President Yes'

In the past week, Pakistan has test-fired two ballistic missiles and India responded by test-firing a new short-range air-defence missile.

ECONOMIST: After the vote