Topic: 2026 – Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles
Country: France
Delegate Name: Rocco Brown
The proliferation of Ballistic Missiles poses a risk of destabilization for peace and security. As it currently stands, nuclear arsenals are expanding at a rate not seen since the advent of the Cold War. With the end of programs such as NEW START, which capped arsenals and alleviated other countries from expanding theirs, the globe is at a turning point. A new agreement must be put into place (Sloane). As an active participant in the missile control technology regime, the Delegation of France has supported the fight against this proliferation. France has previously supported initiatives such as the Hague Code of Conduct (HCOC), which has become the leading global multilateral instrument to fight against the proliferation of ballistic missiles. The HCOC is a unique instrument enabling the control of ballistic missile proliferation through a flexible and non-prescriptive approach based on transparency and confidence. Although it is made up of 143 Signatory States, not all states with ballistic capacities have joined the Code (Ministère). With this fact realized, it is time for there to be an agreement put forth by all nations.
The largest use of ballistic missiles is currently seen in Ukraine, where there have been numerous documented Russian strikes. On February 3rd, 2025, Russia launched 71 missiles and 450 drones, killing at least seven people and leaving over a hundred thousand without heat and electricity (Pakhnyuk). While the figure may not seem significant in the larger context of the atrocities that have currently been ongoing, one question presents itself: when will the line be drawn? The Russo-Ukraine war has been a complete undermining of the West and has cost billions, with the Delegation of France spending over 100 billion Euros in aid (Jonah). Without the necessary actions taken, incidents like these will only continue to increase. These attacks have additionally focused on cities and energy plants, and without proper protection, attacks like these could become far more catastrophic than ever before.
With how unpredictable and uncertain this issue is, it is clear that a solution is needed. The Delegation of France believes that in order to prevent the spread of these issues, the UN must work to make ballistic missiles useless. That is why the Delegation of France is proposing the Global Defense Initiative (GDI), an initiative that promotes united research and development of surveillance systems to monitor attacks as well as defense systems to counter strikes. This comes as a clear advantage for every nation to take part, as it not only will provide them with innovation but also protect them from the threats this issue presents. Additionally, the delegation doesn’t believe in binding agreements to curtail growing arsenals; it believes in convincing nations to limit their arsenals through incentives and soft power. By establishing the Citizens Agreement, the UN can reduce strikes against civilian targets. By implementing this, citizens can be protected, and nations that break this agreement can be held accountable through sanctions and embargoes. By influencing the factors around these powers that use ballistic missiles, the Delegation of France believes that a solution can be delivered safely de-escalates this proliferation.
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Work Cited:
Jonah, Anaelle. “From Weapons to Military Training: Tracking French Support for Ukraine.” France 24, FRANCE 24, 19 Sept. 2025, www.france24.com/en/europe/20250919-from-weapons-to-military-training-the-true-scale-of-french-aid-to-ukraine-russia-war.
Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères. “Fighting the Proliferation of Ballistic Missiles.” France Diplomacy – Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/security-disarmament-and-non-proliferation/disarmament-and-non-proliferation/fighting-the-proliferation-of-ballistic-missiles/. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
Pakhnyuk, Lucy. “In Largest Missile Attack of Winter, Russia Targets Ukraine’s Power Plants amid Brutal Freeze.” The Kyiv Independent, The Kyiv Independent, 9 Feb. 2026, kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-mass-attack-across-ukraine-signaling-end-of-energy-ceasefire/.
Sloane, Everett. “Top Nuclear Powers Face Zero Arsenal Limits as More Countries Get Nukes.” MSN, www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/top-nuclear-powers-face-zero-arsenal-limits-as-more-countries-get-nukes/ar-AA1W01Ng. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
