On 29 may 2019, in the context of the Space Security Conference, organized by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), the FRS conducted a panel dedicated to the HCoC.

Moderator :

  • Dr Xavier Pasco, Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique

Panel :

  • Amb. Ann-Sofie Nilsson, Swedish Ambassador for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
  • Ms Isabelle Sourbes, Research Director, Centre national de la recherche scientifique
  • Mr Tal Inbar, Head of the Space Research Center, Fisher Institute for Air & Space Strategic Studies

The panels of the Space Security Conference can be viewed on the following link:

Research Papers

The HCoC and China

China is currently the main ballistic missile possessor and spacefaring nation which remains outside the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC). This can be explained by China’s traditional opacity regarding its deployment of strategic missiles, but also its exports of ballistic systems or technologies abroad. This absence is nonetheless problematic for a regime based on voluntary transparency and confidence-building which aims at universality.

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Other publications

The HCoC: relevance to African states

The Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC), which came into effect on 25 November 2002, aims to strengthen efforts to curb ballistic missile proliferation worldwide, thereby supplementing the Missile Technology Control Regime, which restricts access to technologies needed to develop such systems. Ballistic missiles are the favoured delivery vehicles for weapons of mass destruction and therefore have a destabilising effect on regional and global security.

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Other publications

The Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation: “Lessons Learned” for the European Union Draft Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities

Concerns about the harm caused upon orbiting space objects – whether intentional or accidental – have increased in recent years, as well as the emerging awareness that the security and safety of national satellites – of vital importance for modern societies but at the same time so vulnerable – relies on a collective effort. In December 2008 the EU responded to these concerns by adopting a Draft Code of Conduct (EU Draft CoC) for outer space activities.

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