SEOUL: The United States says it has deployed anti-missile defenses around Hawaii, following reports that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is preparing to fire its most advanced ballistic missile in that direction to coincide with the US Independence Day holiday next month.

Last week, DPRK vowed to bolster its nuclear arsenal and threatened war to protest UN sanctions in the wake of its May 25 nuclear test.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Thursday that the military has set up additional defenses around Hawaii, consisting of a ground-based mobile missile system and a radar system nearby. Together they could shoot an incoming missile in mid air.