Open Skies Treaty

The Open Skies Treaty is one of the few remaining arms control mechanisms between Vancouver and Vladivostok. Since 2002, the unique agreement permits 34 states to conduct unarmed observation flights over other member states’ entire territories. The main objective is to be able to observe military changes. The treaty particularly promotes military transparency and confidence building between states. Representatives of the observed state can be on board of the observing aircraft. States can request all images that are collected during overflights of other treaty members. Since fall 2019, the U.S. administration under President Trump considers withdrawing from the treaty. The outcome is still uncertain. European member states support the continuation of the treaty. 

Alexander Graef and Moritz Kütt are currently working on the Open Skies Treaty. Members of the U.S.-German-Russian Deep Cuts Commission analyze the agreement, too.

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    The U.S. and the Treaty on Open Skies

    Dr. Alexander Graef

    The United States have announced their intention to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. The decision will take effect in November this year. However, already on 06 July a state conference of all…

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More on the Treaty on Open Skies

  • How to fix, preserve and strengthen the Open Skies Treaty?

    Dr. Oliver Meier

    The Deep Cuts Project cordially invites you to the following Zoom briefing: 
    After the Trump Administration's declared exit: How to fix, preserve and strengthen the Open Skies Treaty

    on

    June 12,…

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  • (Re)searching for Peace: First Anniversary of “Arms of Control and Emerging Technologies” at the IFSH

    The world is in a state of upheaval. States are arming themselves. Newer and even more powerful weapons are being developed, and some are already being put to use. From the termination of the INF…

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