Acquisition and Use of MANPADS Against Commercial Aviation: Risks, Proliferation, Mitigation, and Cost of an Attack
Abstract
Since 1975, upwards of 60 civilian aircraft have been hit by surface to-air missile platforms known as man-portable air defense systems(MANPADS), resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 civilians. Terrorist groups like al-Qaeda, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and Lebanese Hezbollah are thought to possess MANPADS, presenting an ongoing concern for civilian air travel in the modern political climate. Although a MANPADS attack on a civilian aircraft has not been attempted since 2007, the threat of MANPADS attacks remains, and so does the need to develop a better understanding of the security risks posed by these systems. The loss of life from a MANPADS incident could be severe and have grave international repercussions. The research summarized in this report aims to provide analysis of the key issues of this international security challenge.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1090527
Entities
People
- Aaron Strong
- Alexander C. Hou
- Brian Phillips
- Daniel M. Norton
- Jeffrey Martini
- Michael Schwille
- Nathan Vest
- Sean M. Zeigler
Organizations
- RAND Corporation