MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME (MTCR)

INTRODUCTION
The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an important international export control arrangement aimed at preventing the proliferation of missile systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction. It is frequently asked in prelims because of its technical criteria, non-treaty nature, and India’s membership. For beginners, MTCR helps in understanding how delivery systems of nuclear weapons are regulated internationally.

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BACKGROUND AND ORIGIN

• Established in 1987
• Initiated by G7 countries
• Created in response to growing concerns over missile proliferation
• Functions as an informal and voluntary arrangement

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OBJECTIVE OF MTCR

• Prevent proliferation of unmanned delivery systems for WMDs
• Control transfer of missiles, rockets and related technologies
• Reduce risk of missile-based WMD delivery

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KEY FEATURES OF MTCR

• Not a treaty; politically binding arrangement
• Operates on consensus among members
• No permanent secretariat
• Members implement guidelines through national export control laws

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TECHNICAL CRITERIA (VERY IMPORTANT FOR PRELIMS)

MTCR focuses on systems capable of:
• Delivering a payload of at least 500 kg
• To a range of at least 300 km

These thresholds are key prelims facts.

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CONTROLLED ITEMS

MTCR controls exports of:
• Ballistic missiles
• Cruise missiles
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Rocket systems
• Missile-related components and technologies

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MEMBERSHIP

• 35 member countries
• Includes major missile technology holders

INDIA AND MTCR
• India became a member in 2016
• Strengthened India’s access to advanced missile and space technologies
• Boosted India’s strategic credibility
• Facilitated India’s entry into other export control regimes

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PRELIMS NOTES AND COMMON CONFUSIONS

• MTCR does not ban missiles
• MTCR controls exports, not domestic development
• MTCR is not legally binding
• MTCR focuses on delivery systems, not nuclear warheads

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CURRENT RELEVANCE

• Increasing focus on drone and UAV proliferation
• MTCR relevance in regulating emerging missile technologies
• India’s growing role in missile and space technology exports

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Subject: International Relation

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