We're close to star wars deal
AUSTRALIA is close to signing on to the United States' controversial $118 billion missile-defence shield.
Defence Minister Robert Hill told the Herald Sun he believes the space-based national missile defence program could help underpin the Australian-US alliance for the next 20 years.
The US could seek Australian involvement in the ambitious project within weeks.
But critics argue the defence shield -- designed to destroy incoming warheads with defensive missiles directed by satellites and ground stations such as the US base at Australia's Pine Gap -- will spark a new arms race, particularly with China.
Herald Be-Afraid-Be-Very-Afraid Sun, June 17 2003