"Australia says it will participate in the US missile defence system.

The United States is working to develop a shield against ballistic missiles which it believes countries like North Korea could soon use to threaten it.

Last month's US defence budget allots $9bn for developing the system, with has had a mixed record in tests so far.

Canberra's involvement will "serve our strategic interest" said Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, but there are no plans for bases in Australia."

here.

well, this is stupid.