The proliferation of short-, medium- and long-range ballistic missile technology to an increasing number of countries represents a potential security challenge. This technology can already threaten Canadians on some military and peace support operations in various regions of the world. In the longer term, ballistic missile technology is a potential risk to Canada itself. It is important, therefore, for Canada to understand this challenge and the proposed measures our Allies are considering to deal with this problem including ballistic missile defence (BMD) against long-range missiles.
The Government of Canada is closely following these developments but has made no decision with regard to Canadian participation in BMD.
United States Plans for a National Ballistic Missile Defence System In February 1996, the U.S. formally adopted the "three plus three" approach to developing a National Missile Defense capability. The intent of this approach was to attain, within three years, the requisite technological capability to field such a system. Deployment of the system would then follow within three years, should the threat warrant. The U.S. will give equal consideration to the technical feasibility of the initiative and an on-going threat assessment before making the ultimate decision to deploy a National Missile Defense system. Recently, the Pentagon projected a timeframe of 2005 for the earliest deployment of a National Missile Defense system. The United States' objective is to develop the capability to defend against a limited number of ballistic missiles aimed at its territory that is to say, an accidental or unauthorized launch or, possibly, an attack from a rogue state.
Canada's Involvement in Ballistic Missile Defence To date, Canada has limited its activities concerning BMD to research and consultation with the United States and other like-minded nations. This reflects the 1994 Defence White Paper guidance, which specifies that such activity will be conducted in order to gain a better understanding of missile defence in conjunction with the evolution of North American and possible NATO-wide aerospace defence arrangements. Any decision by the Government on Canada's role in BMD would be determined only after a comprehensive review of possible implications. Moreover, as stated in the 1994 Defence White Paper, Canadian involvement would have to be cost-effective, make an unambiguous contribution to Canadian defence requirements and build upon missions already performed by the Canadian Forces, such as surveillance and communications. Also, Canadian involvement would be predicated on the proposed system being compliant with the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, or an updated treaty negotiated with Russia, as well as other arms control and disarmament agreements, protocols and arrangements.
Conclusion Canada will continue its efforts to develop a better understanding of the U.S. ballistic missile defence program. This involves ongoing consultations with the U.S. for the specific purpose of determining what a future BMD system might entail.
