Russia applies to join the MTCR

RUSSIA IS NEGOTIATING to join the multi-national Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). It could become a member as early as October.

The MTCR is intended to stop the proliferation of ballistic- and cruise missile technologies applicable to what are described as weapons of mass destruction.

MTCR member states, including the USA, the UK and Germany, have been concerned over apparent Russian interest in exporting conventional variants of long-range cruise missiles.

Russian president Boris Yeltsin is believed to favour joining the MTCR, but some in the country's military and defence establishment view the regime with suspicion.

Source: Flight International