As North Korea prepares for a satellite launch, U.S. officials are expressing confidence that they can shoot it down if necessary.

It is widely agreed that North Korea’s “satellite” launch is nothing more than an attempt to determine if missiles can reach Alaska.

When North Korea launches, the U.S. will monitor the satellite’s position closely. The U.S. has 28 ground-based interceptors and 18 ships equipped with the Aegis radar tracking system to intercept any threat.

Japan and South Korea also have Aegis-equipped vessels. In addition, Japan has Patriot interceptor missiles in central Tokyo. Both countries are also threatened and prepared to act if necessary.

Admiral Timothy Keating, commander of the US Pacific Command, said that the U.S. is ready to respond “on a moment’s notice.”

“Should it look like it’s something other than a satellite launch, we will be fully prepared to respond as the president directs,” Keating said.