WASHINGTON, July 7 (UPI) -- Australia signed a controversial U.S. missile-defense shield agreement Wednesday, arguing it was a "long-term" security investment.
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Australian Defense Minister Sen. Robert Hill signed the agreement during a ceremony at the U.S. State Department.
"For us that's a long-term investment," Hill said during an appearance with Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer. "We believe that we have the responsibility to address the threats of not only today, but also the threats we might face the future."
The 25-year agreement is expected to lead to the development of advanced radar technology that can provide early detections of ballistic missiles in the event of an attack.
In Washington, the shield has drawn comparisons to President Reagan's "star wars" program. The Australian opposition Labor party has expressed fears Canberra's inclusion in the shield may provoke an arms race in the region.
