Fed: Australia to participate in US missile defence

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2003
Fed: Australia to participate in US missile defence

Australia has signed on to the United States Missile Defence program over fears of
a future attack by ballistic missile armed with chemical, biological or nuclear warheads.

Defence Minister ROBERT HILL says it's a sensible move because of the proliferation
of long range missiles and mass destruction warheads.

Senator HILL says the government sees no immediate threat from missile-armed nations
such as North Korea.

He also says the government doesn't envisage Australia adopting a ground-based missile
defence umbrella.

But he says it could incorporate missile defences in three new air defence destroyers
set to enter service next decade.

Under a memorandum of understanding to be signed with the US, Australia will expand
scientific cooperation on means to detect and track missiles and in testing new technologies.

AAP RTV mb/sb/wz/rp/rh/psm/

KEYWORD: MISSILE (CANBERRA)

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