Status of US Membership: The ABM Treaty was signed at Moscow May 26, 1972, and ratified by the US Senate August 3, 1972. It entered into force October 3, 1972.  U.S. membership terminated June 13, 2002

Key Terms: An ABM system is "a system to counter strategic ballistic missiles or their elements in flight trajectory." The parties agreed to limit ABM systems to one missile defense site each. ABM places limits on technological development to preserve the strategic balance between the US and the Soviet Union/ Russia.

Status of US Compliance: The US withdrew from the Treaty in 2002  to pursue construction of missile defense systems.

Treaty Text on U.S. Department of State Site

Federation of American Scientists on ABM - Comprehensive source of information on the ABM treaty, including texts, documents and news.