US relaxes standard for exporting drones to friendly countries

The Trump administration has relaxed standards for exporting drones to friendly countries. Under the new policy, drones that fly at speeds below 800 km per hour are no longer subject to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

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Key-Points

Under the new policy, drones that fly at speeds below 800 km per hour are no longer subject to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

The move will increase the US’ national security by improving capabilities of its partners and increase economic security by opening the expanding drones market to the US industry.

The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is an informal political understanding among states that seek to limit the proliferation of missiles and missile technology.

There are currently 35 countries that are members (Partners) of the MTCR. India became its member in 2016.

While there is no formal linkage, the activities of the MTCR are consistent with the UN’s non-proliferation and export control efforts.

The MTCR is not a treaty and does not impose any legally binding obligations on Partners (members). Rather, it is an informal political understanding.

The MTCR has no formal secretariat. France serves as the Regime’s Point of Contact (POC) which receives and distributes all Regime documents.