Biden Admin Updates Guidance on Missile Tech Exports
The Biden administration has revised its policy guidance for missile technology exports to streamline defense trade with close allies while renewing its commitment to global nonproliferation efforts, the White House said Jan. 7.
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The new guidance gives agencies “increased flexibility for case-by-case review” and will “facilitate support” for transferring certain Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Category I military missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and space launch vehicles to “certain partners with strong export control systems.” While this support will encompass a "wide range of activity," it will exclude transfers of complete production facilities needed to build Category I systems independently.
The guidance says the administration will consider transfers of Category I space launch vehicle-related commodities, software and technology on a case-by-case basis for “select and vetted partner space programs and participation in international space programs, whether such programs are governmental or commercial in nature.” It won't support the development or acquisition of Category I military missiles by non-MTCR partners, and it will work to stem the flow of advanced dual-use technology or expertise that could be diverted to programs of concern.
Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the guidance “takes a step in the right direction” but is “still far too little too late.” He’s concerned too many restrictions remain in place that could impede joint development of advanced missile technology under Pillar II of the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) security partnership (see 2410020038).
McCaul said he will monitor MTCR implementation under the incoming Trump administration. He also plans to work to advance a bill he co-led in the last Congress stating it's no longer U.S. policy that the MTCR’s presumption of denial applies to NATO and Five Eyes countries (see 2407100058).