Many countries have attempted to deal independently with the aliens. In August 1998, Japan established an anti-alien combat force; the Kiryu-Kai. Equipped with Japanese-made fighter aircraft, the Kiryu-Kai certainly looked like a powerful force. However, after 5 months of expensive operations they had yet to intercept their first UFO. The lesson was clear: this was a worldwide problem which could not be dealt with by individual countries.
On December 11, 1998, representatives from the world's most economically powerful countries gathered secretly in Geneva. After much debate, the decision was made to establish a covert independent body to combat, investigate and defeat the alien threat. This organization would be equipped with the world's finest pilots, soldiers, scientists and engineers, working together as one multi-national force.
This organization was named the Extraterrestrial Combat Unit.
X-COM: UFO Defense (X-COM: Enemy Unknown in Europe) is a bestselling strategy game by Microprose made in 1994. The game takes place in the year 1999. UFOs have been spotted throughout the skies. They are not here to make peace. Thus, the top secret organization known as The Extra-Terrestrial Combat Unit (X-COM) was formed. Funded by the countries of the world, X-COM must stop the aliens.
The game puts you in command of Earth's last defense, X-COM. You must use your resources wisely. All the Earth's finest soldiers, engineers, and scientists are in your control. You need alien UFO technology if the Earth is ever going to destroy the alien base and eliminate the threat forever.