A chronology of the missile technology control regime

Abstract

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an informal, non-treaty association of states that have an established policy or interest in limiting the spread of missiles and missile technology. The MTCR's origins date back to the 1970s, when the U.S. government became aware of dangers posed by the missile programs of developing nations. Several events, including South Korea's 1978 ballistic missile test, Iraq's attempt in 1979 to purchase retired rocket stages from Italy, India's July 1980 SLV-3 test, and the former German firm OTRAC's 1981 testing of a rocket in Libya, contributed particularly to U.S. apprehensions. The concerns of the United States were translated into a Reagan administration initiative that resulted ultimately in an agreement by seven founding members to the spread of missiles and missile technology and in the release of guidelines on April 16, 1987. According to the guidelines, the MTCR's original purpose was to reduce the risks of nuclear proliferation by placing controls on equipment and technology transfers which contribute to the development of unmanned, nuclear-weapon delivery systems. Over time, that goal was expanded to limit the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by controlling transfers that could make a contribution to delivery systems for such weapons. The MTCR currently provides the central institutional arrangement, as well as the base international norm, for dealing with missile proliferation. But while the international community now recognizes the spread of missiles and missile technology as a crucial security issue, the sweeping political changes witnessed over the last three years demand a re-examination of the regime's focus, strengths, weaknesses, and ability to combat missile proliferation in a new, rapidlychanging international order. China's and North Korea's continuing aid to foreign states' missile programs increases the importance that a well functioning regime is in place to deal with missile proliferation issues. This report is intended to provide the necessary background data with which to undertake this reassessment.