Q5. Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR):
- The MTCR is an informal, voluntary arrangement and not a legally binding treaty.
- The MTCR’s scope includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of delivering a 500 kg payload over 300 km.
- Membership in the MTCR is mandatory for any country seeking to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
- MTCR guidelines call for careful consideration of export licenses for dual-use technologies that could contribute to missile development programs.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
Answer: A [a. Only one]
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The MTCR is a voluntary, non-treaty partnership. Participating countries commit to guidelines but aren’t bound by a formal treaty.
Statement 2 is correct: The MTCR covers delivery systems, including UAVs, meeting the specified payload/range criteria, reflecting its broader focus on WMD delivery mechanisms.
Statement 3 is incorrect: MTCR membership is not a formal requirement for NSG membership, though alignment with non-proliferation norms is often considered.
Statement 4 is correct: The MTCR guidelines emphasize careful scrutiny of exports, particularly dual-use technologies, to minimize the risk of contributing to missile programs of concern.