Ballistic proliferation is a reality. ALthrought currently limited to short and very short range missiles, one cannot rule out the possibility that it will develop and could represent a threat to France and Europe within the next fifteen years.

The US has launched the first stage of a global antiballistic defence programme which will clearly have major strategic and technical consequenses. European countries have not as yet defined an adequate response either to potential threat or to the technological challenge posed by America.

ANAE etablished a working group composed of members of Defence commission to analyse the different aspects of the problemp>Dossier 23 sets out the conclusions of this group.