Publication

This paper explores the potential importance of ballistic missile defenses (BMD) to Australia. Indeed, one might think that the country's geographic isolation argues against being interested in such a capability, but 1) Canberra's forces do operate in parts of the globe where they are within range of offensive missile systems, and 2) BMD capabilities may well come to play an important role in the US-Australia alliance in the Western Pacific. For these reasons, the paper concludes, Canberra should continue its modest investment in BMD R&D and to follow the technological capabilities being pursued by others. By doing so, it will be ready to adopt BMD capabilities if and when the need arises.