Missiles

Australia is committed to the highest non-proliferation standard and maintaining the integrity and strength of the global non-proliferation regime. Multilateral cooperation on national export controls, including those that align with the Missile Technology Control Regime, are effective tools to combat missile proliferation. Other mechanisms include the Hague Code of Conduct which curbs the proliferation of ballistic missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) was established in 1987 by the G-7 industrialised countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and the US. Australia joined the MTCR in 1990, and there are now 35 countries that have joined. The MTCR is a political commitment aimed at limiting WMD proliferation by controlling the export of missiles, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, equipment, and technology used for the development or production of such missiles and systems. MTCR Partners do this by applying export licensing measures to a list of sensitive items contained in the MTCR Equipment and Technology Annex. MTCR controls are not intended to hinder cooperation in civil space projects nor legitimate trade. The MTCR convenes annual Plenary meetings and France hosts the annual MTCR Reinforced Point of Contact (RPOC) Meeting.

Australia hosted the 2008 MTCR Plenary in Canberra and was chair of the MTCR from 2008-2009. Australia continues to engage in consultations on the MTCR, including by attending the 2023 Plenary meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC)

The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC) was formally brought into effect on 25 November 2002, at an international conference in The Hague. Australia is one of 93 original subscribing states to the HCoC. The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs acts as the Immediate Central Contact point for the HCoC as there is no permanent secretariat or implementing organisation. Annual meetings of Subscribing States are held in Vienna.

The HCoC bolsters worldwide efforts to curb the proliferation of ballistic missiles capable of delivering WMD. The HCoC is politically, rather than legally, binding and focused on broad principles and broad membership. It calls for greater restraint in the development, testing, use and spread of ballistic missiles capable of delivering WMD. It does not inhibit states from owning and developing ballistic missiles, nor from benefiting from the peaceful use of outer space. It aims to increase transparency and reduce mistrust among subscribing states. The HCoC has introduced confidence-building measures including annual reporting on ballistic missile and space launch vehicle policies and the obligation to notify of ballistic missile and space launches in advance. The HCoC is intended to supplement the MTCR, and is administered collectively by all Subscribing States.