The Interagency MANPADS Task Force: Building Partnerships to Protect Global Aviation

WHAT ARE MANPADS? Since 1970, terrorists and other non-state actors have struck dozens of civilian aircraft with man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), often referred to as shoulder-fired missiles. The illicit diversion of MANPADS to terrorists, criminal organizations, and insurgents is a global concern. Non-state actors in more than forty countries have acquired MANPADS of varying capabilities.

The U.S. Department of State chairs the Interagency MANPADS Task Force (MTF), which focuses on protecting civil and military aviation. The MTF was formed in 2006 in response to National Security Presidential Directive 47 (NSPD-47), which directed the establishment of a comprehensive strategy for aviation security to guide the U.S. government in dealing with evolving threats to aviation. The MTF coordinates a comprehensive approach to counter illicit MANPADS proliferation and reduce the threat of those held by terrorist groups and other violent non-state actors. A range of U.S. government elements participate in the MTF, including the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Homeland Security, and the Intelligence Community.

MANPADS typically consist of a guided missile enclosed in a launch tube, a reusable trigger mechanism (“gripstock”), and a single-use battery or battery cooling unit. The tube, which protects the missile until it is fired, is disposable. The battery powers the missile’s infrared seeker and other systems for a short period prior to launch. Most MANPADS are 1.4 to 1.6 meters (4.5 feet to 5.5 feet) long, about 72 millimeters (3 inches) in diameter, and weigh between 15 and 18 kilograms (33 to 39 pounds). They can travel at twice the speed of sound and hit aircraft flying as high as 6 kilometers (about 20,000 feet) out to a horizontal range of up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles). A single individual or crew can carry and fire MANPADS. Their small size makes them easy to transport and conceal. The most common types can fit into an automobile trunk.

MANPADS were first developed in the 1960s to help legitimate armed forces defend against air attacks. However, in the hands of terrorists, criminals, or other non-state actors, MANPADS pose a serious threat to commercial and military aircraft around the world. Non-state actors obtain MANPADS from a number of sources, including regional black markets and state sponsors. Since 2011, violent extremists have looted thousands of MAN- PADS and other advanced conventional weapons from unsecured state stockpiles in Libya, Syria, and Yemen, making efforts to reduce the threat to aviation even more crucial

WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT MANPADS? The MTF offers several tools to curb the illicit proliferation and use of MANPADS, including multilateral and international partnerships, aviation security training opportunities, and CWD.

To prevent future illicit proliferation of MANPADS, the MTF, in collaboration with PM/WRA’s Program Management Division, operates a CWD program. MTF provides CWD assistance to countries to secure existing stockpiles and destroy excess, unserviceable, or obsolete ammunition and MANPADS. To date, MTF CWD programs have eliminated more than 41,000 MANPADS and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) which pose a similar threat around the world.

The MTF continues to lead international and multilateral coordination efforts related to MANPADS destruction and PSSM in Europe, Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Under the Wassenaar Arrangement, over 40 countries have agreed to export control measures to curb the illicit transfer of MANPADS. The MTF is expanding work with the Organization of American States (OAS), International Civil Aviation Organization, NATO, and other international organizations to curb illicit transfers and strengthen compliance with international regimes on MANPADS proliferation.

MTF provides MANPADS Recognition Training to global border security, aviation security, and defense personnel working on the front lines to fight illicit weapons proliferation. In 2020, the MTF provided virtual and in-person training to more than 550 individuals from 22 countries. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration, in coordination with the MTF, has conducted 75 MANPADS Assist Visits (MAV) and basic aviation security training programs globally. MAVs were not feasible in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will resume when conditions permit.

U.S.-EGYPT PARTNERSHIP: The MTF assisted the government of Egypt’s efforts to proactively mitigate the potential for aviation security threats, with a focus on MANPADS. The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation’s Export Control and Border Security program, in collaboration with the MTF, sponsored a facilitated dialogue in Washington, D.C., for Egyptian officials to assist in creating a National Action Plan to address regional threats. The event assembled an interagency combination of U.S. and Egyptian experts working together for the first time on the issue of MANPADS and ATGM proliferation. In partnership with U.S. counterparts, Egyptian participants established a strategic framework designed to activate the many complementary pieces of security response should a potential threat be identified.