A coalition of 40 countries issued a joint statement Tuesday calling on all nations—specifically nuclear-weapon states—to provide advance notification at least 24 hours before launching long-range missiles or space launch vehicles.
The statement, released by the governments of the United States, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and 36 other allied nations, follows recent unannounced missile testing in the Pacific area. According to the joint statement, those recent tests failed to follow standard notification and deconfliction practices used by most states.
The coalition highlighted the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC)—a mechanism currently utilized by 145 countries—as an existing framework for pre-launch reporting.
The group noted that launching nuclear-capable ballistic missiles without sufficient advance notice and detail increases the risk of miscalculation, disrupts regional peace, and threatens overall global stability.
“Conducting nuclear-capable ballistic missile tests without sufficient advance notice and detail is dangerous and disrupts the peace and security of relevant nations in proximity to these tests,” the statement read. “It increases the risk of miscalculation, undermines global stability and security, and is incompatible with the responsibilities that come with possessing long-range missile capabilities.”
To prevent accidents and maintain safety in international transit zones, the coalition outlined specific criteria that launch notices should include.
Beyond giving a 24-hour lead time, launching states are urged to share the generic class of the ballistic missile or space launch vehicle, the expected launch window, the launch area, and the intended direction. The statement also called for clear hazard notices issued to mariners and airmen regarding expected impact or landing zones, adhering to established international standards.
Addressing potential concerns regarding national defense operations, the participating governments asserted that standardizing pre-launch warnings does not restrict defense capabilities.
“Regularized, transparent notification arrangements do not constrain any nation’s military development or operational needs,” the release stated. “Instead, they reduce the risk of miscalculation, build confidence, and reflect a shared commitment to security.”
The signatory nations concluded the declaration by reiterating their commitment to expanding existing notification frameworks and holding states accountable if they fail to provide adequate warnings before launch activity.
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