Rep. Israel Renews Call to Protect Civilian Aircraft From Shoulder-Fired Missiles

Press Release

This week, Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) called on the airline industry and other stakeholders to work with him to find a sensible solution to the threat of shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles posed toward civilian aircraft. These missiles, also known as man- portable air defense systems (MANPADS) were first fielded in the 1960s as a way for military ground forces to protect themselves from enemy aircraft, but they have since become attractive to non-state actors and terrorists due to their affordability, portability, and lethality.

Rep. Israel said, "With the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine and the flurry of rocket fire in Israel, we are once again reminded that an attack on a civilian aircraft remains a significant threat. That's why, once again, I'm sounding the alarm and asking the airline industry and other stakeholders to work with me to find a sensible solution. The more planes we can outfit with anti-missile technology, the safer we will be."

Although it's difficult to pinpoint an exact number, it is estimated that there are between 500,000 and 700,000 MANPADs around the world, with several countries still manufacturing them today. While the vast majority of MANPADS are under the control of their respective governments or militaries, several thousand of them are thought to be in the hands of terrorists and other non-state actors, who have likely acquired these systems through weapons transfers, the black market, or theft.

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