Autonomy, Technology, and National Security: The Case for Reforming the Missile Technology Control Regime

On February 12, Hudson Institute hosted a discussion on future of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). Panelists included University of Pennsylvania Professor Dr. Michael Horowitz, U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Benjamin Schwartz, and the Heritage Foundation’s Rachel Zissimos. The discussion was moderated by Hudson Senior Fellow Dr. Arthur Herman.

With the global market for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) predicted to reach $13 billion by 2024, militaries around the world are rapidly incorporating this critical technology into their operations. However, under the MTCR–a 1987 international agreement designed to prevent proliferation of ballistic missiles–UAS are categorized as missiles, and the U.S. is severely restricted in exporting this technology to its closest allies. Other countries, including China and Russia, have taken this opportunity to become the prime sellers of UAS globally. Reform of the MTCR’s weapons classifications is necessary to strengthen U.S. national security and advance American technological progress.