Missile Technology Control Regime : Key Facts

September 22, 2016 September 22, 2016

India has joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) as its 35^th member. The instrument of accession was signed in a ceremony held in South Block in the presence of diplomats from the Netherlands, France and Luxembourg missions.

Earlier, India has also joined the Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC) which deals with the ballistic missile non-proliferation arrangement. But, it had failed to secure NSG membership due to stiff opposition from countries like China among others.

Important Facts

MTCR is informal and voluntary association

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an informal and voluntary association of countries that works to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology. MTCR was set up in April 1987 by the G-7 industrialized countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the United States).

With the accession of India, the current membership of MTCR is 35. Other prominent members other than the G-7 industrialized countries are Australia, Brazil, Russian Federation, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Switzerland etc. Interestingly, China is not a member of MTCR.

MTCR is NOT a treaty

MTCR is not a treaty but an informal political understanding among member nations. MTCR does not impose legally binding obligations over its member countries.

MTCR has diverse aims and objectives

Initially, MTCR was focusing on proliferation of missiles for nuclear weapons delivery. But in 1992, it extended its focus to include proliferation of missiles for the delivery of all types of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), i.e., nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. As proliferation of WMDs is a threat to international peace and security, MTCR aims to counter this threat by maintaining vigilance over the transfer of missile equipment, software, complete rocket systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (not manned aircraft) and related technologies used by systems capable of carrying at least 500 kg payload for at least 300 km as well as those capable of delivering WMDs.

Moreover, the activities of MTCR are in line with the UN’s non-proliferation and export control efforts. Applying the MTCR guidelines helps the member countries to meet their export control obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1540.

MTCR Chair

The MTCR Chairmanship rotates and the country that hosts the Plenary serves as the Chair for the ensuing year.

Decision making in MTCR

All MTCR decisions require a consensus decision taken by all members.

MTCR Category I and Category II Items and their regulation

Category I items

Those systems which are capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kg to a range of at least 300 km are classified as Category I items. They include:

Complete rocket and unmanned aerial vehicle systems including ballistic missiles, space launch vehicles, sounding rockets, cruise missiles, target drones, and reconnaissance drones.
The major subsystems such as rocket stages, engines, guidance-sets, re-entry vehicles, as well as the related software and technology, and specially designed production facilities for these items.

Regulation of category-I items

Export of items falling under category I are usually denied regardless of the purpose of the export. But, they may be licensed for export on rare occasions.
Exports of production facilities for these items are absolutely prohibited.

Category II items

It includes other less sensitive items like dual-use missile related components and other complete missile systems with a range of at least 300km regardless of payload.

Regulation of category-II items

Export of category II items are subject to licensing requirements taking into consideration the non-proliferation factors as mentioned in the MTCR Guidelines. Exports intended for use in WMD delivery are put through a strong presumption of denial.

Why India has joined MTCR?

Following are some of the specific benefits which India seeks to gain from joining MTCR.

Space exploration

India can now have access to the denied Russian cryogenic technology for developing cryogenic engines to enhance space explorations.

BrahMos Missile

It will make India to transform itself as significant arms exporter. It will ease the selling of Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos to Vietnam and other countries.

Arrow II missile

MTCR sanctions had earlier restricted the procurement of Israel’s Arrow II theatre missile defence interceptor for the development of indigenous ballistic missile system.

Surveillance drones

Now, the procurement of surveillance drones from other countries like the American Predator drones will be made easy. The US may also consider exporting some of the other equipments like UAVs to India, which will enhance the capability of India.