Press Release M-NAC- 2(2000)121 Report on Options for Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBMs), Verification, Non-Prolife- ration, Arms Control and Disarmament December 2000

2. Developments over the Last Decade in the Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Weapons Environment 2.4. Missiles and Other Means of Delivery The proliferation of missile technology is an issue of significant concern. The ballistic missile has emerged as the weapon system of choice for several States, many of which are currently seeking to increase the range and accuracy of these delivery vehicles. Cruise missile technology is also being improved, and includes various models that have anti-ship or land attack missions. Technical improvements to the missiles would challenge traditional defences. Such technologies could allow for longer ranges and better accuracy, and may include countermeasures and signature reduction. Relatively inexpensive missiles are widely available now and represent a growing risk as potential delivery means for NBC warheads. Risks and threats of missile technology also include tactical air-to-surface missiles. Established in 1987, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is a regime of 32 states (including all 19 NATO members) that seeks to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. The MTCR is not a treaty. The MTCR Partners control exports of a common list of controlled items (the MTCR Equipment and Technology Annex) according to a common export control policy (the MTCR Guidelines). The Guidelines and Annex are implemented according to each country's own national laws and regulations. Outside the scope of membership in the Regime, the MTCR Guidelines and Annex are open to all nations to implement unilaterally. The MTCR members also exchange information on proliferation threats and trends and co-operate to halt specific shipments of proliferation concern. Member states are now evaluating approaches to deal with qualitatively new challenges, including the emergence of indigenous production and export of missiles and missile technology by non-members of the Regime. During the past year, the MTCR Partners also have focused increasingly on new ideas for addressing the ongoing global missile threat and responses to face the challenge posed by indigenous missile programmes and exports. At their October 2000 Plenary meeting in Helsinki, MTCR members continued their deliberations on a set of principles, commitments, confidence-building measures and incentives that could constitute a code of conduct against missile proliferation. They also decided to approach countries outside the Regime in order to engage them in a broader common effort to agree on a multilateral instrument open to all states.