Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) are surface-to-air missiles that can be carried and fired by a single individual or carried by several individuals and fired by more than one person acting as a crew. MANPADS were designed to be used by national military forces to protect their troops and facilities. With their relatively short range, MANPADS are regarded as the last missile-based air defense available to protect against aerial attack, to be deployed in tandem with gun-type systems that seek to defeat attacking aircraft by destroying them with a barrage of projectiles.
MANPADS, also known as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles poses a serious threat to passenger air travel, the commercial aviation industry, and military aircraft around the world. Their availability, ease of use, small size, portability and fire and forget weapon characteristics, all add to the appeal of these weapons to terrorist groups. With an altitude range of 10,000 to 15,000 feet they would make airliners especially vulnerable during take-off and landing. Since 1975, 40 civilian aircraft have been hit by MANPADS, causing about 28 crashes and more than 800 deaths around the world.
By some estimates there are likely over half a million MANPADS worldwide. Certain portions of those weapons are widely available and obtainable on the black market. Countering the proliferation of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) is a top U.S. national security priority. The United States is working closely with numerous countries and international organizations to keep the skies safe for all.
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