"We think that with the proliferation of long-range missiles and trends towards proliferation of mass destruction warheads, it is a sensible decision for Australia to take," said Defense Minister Robert Hill.

"We have given that careful consideration and we think that we can play a part, obviously a small part in terms of the massive overall program," he said.

"This will be the start of obviously what will be a long program."

Hill said cooperation would primarily involve scientific research and most likely the area of radar sensors, since the US had shown considerable interest in Australia's over-the-horizon radar system known as the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).

"They looked at our capabilities and were impressed with JORN and said that there was within the JORN system capabilities that could assist with missile defense," Hill said.

Australia could also could incorporate some of the developed technology into air warfare destroyers being built for the country's navy, he said.

But Hill said there were no current plans to host part of a ground-based missile defense system on Australian territory.

Australia under Prime Minister John Howard has been one of the staunchest foreign allies of US President George W. Bush and was the only country besides Britain to send forces into the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Bush's plan to develop a general missile defense shield led to the United States abandoning the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty and has come under strong criticism at home and abroad.

Critics say the scheme is too costly, technically unfeasible and likely to spark a new global arms race.

But Bush has said he hopes to deploy a limited missile shield by 2004 that would include ground-based interceptor missiles stationed in the US.

Hill said Australia saw no immediate risk to its territory but was concerned the country might one day be threatened by long range missiles able to carry chemical, biological or nuclear warheads.

"If Australia is interested in at some time utilising the technologies that are becoming available to defeat incoming ballistic missiles, then it should be working within the program from an early date," he said.

"The American program is the program. It is a huge investment by the Americans. They will be starting to deploy their systems next year," he said.

"Basically what they have done is invite us to come within that tent. From that we believe that we will be better able to meet that threat in the future if it comes to pass. We are looking at long lead times."

WAR.WIRE