Why in the News?

The United States is preparing to reinterpret the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) to expand exports of heavy attack drones, like the MQ-9 Reaper, to partner countries.

About Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR):

• Formation: Established in 1987 by the G-7 countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, USA) to prevent the spread of missiles and UAVs capable of delivering nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons.
• Membership: Today, 35 countries are members; India joined in 2016.
• Nature: Not a treaty but a voluntary political understanding where members implement export control guidelines.

• Coverage:

  • Category I items: Complete missile/UAV systems with ≥500 kg payload and ≥300 km range, major subsystems, and production facilities (exports presumed denied).
  • Category II items: Less sensitive or dual-use components/technologies; exports subject to national discretion under strict licensing.
• Purpose: To limit missile proliferation while allowing peaceful space and aviation cooperation.

About the Recent Policy Change on MTCR:

• US Reinterpretation (2025):

  • Large unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the MQ-9 Reaper will be treated as “aircraft” instead of missile systems.
  • This removes the “strong presumption of denial” that earlier restricted their export under MTCR.
• Objective: To make the US the leading drone supplier, countering competition from China, Israel, and Turkiye.

• Implications:

  • Opens the door for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of heavy attack drones to partners like Saudi Arabia, India, and Indo-Pacific allies.
  • Still subject to US reviews for regional stability, end-use monitoring, tech security, and human rights compliance.
  • Facilitates India–US space and defence cooperation, lowering barriers for joint ventures and technology partnerships.

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