US Expands Missile Technology Exports to Key Allies

The White House has announced updates to its missile technology export controls, allowing expanded access for close allies.

This strategic adjustment is designed to enhance collective defense efforts while maintaining strict non-proliferation standards.

According to a White House statement, the policy changes will enable the US to bolster shared defense objectives, including facilitating the AUKUS pact involving the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

These updates were formalized on January 3 when President Joe Biden issued a National Security Memorandum aimed at modernizing export policies for missile technologies.

The revised policy allows greater flexibility in assessing individual export cases and simplifies the transfer of certain military missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and space launch vehicles to select partners with robust export control frameworks.

This shift is expected to streamline collaboration with trusted allies like Australia and the UK.

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), an informal consortium of 35 countries, including the US and Russia, governs efforts to prevent missile proliferation.