U.S. Effort to Secure Stockpiles of Man-Portable Air Defense

[admin]

U.S. Effort to Secure Stockpiles of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS)


Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC

July 27, 2011




Countering the proliferation of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) – also known as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles – is a top U.S. national security priority. In the hands of extremists, criminals, and other non-state actors, MANPADS have been used in attacks against 40 civilian aircraft since the mid-1970s. A new report from the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs’ Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement details U.S. efforts to keep the skies safer for all.
The report, “MANPADS: Combating the Threat to Global Aviation from Man-Portable Air Defense Systems,” tracks State Department efforts, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies, to safely dispose of more than 32,500 at-risk MANPADS systems in 30 countries since 2003. The report also entails U.S. support for international efforts to prevent proliferation and provide technical assistance to countries looking to strengthen safeguards on remaining armament inventories.
Since 1993, the United States has promoted peace and security through provision of more than $1.8 billion in conventional weapons destruction programs in more than 80 countries. For more information, please visit the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement’s web page at www.state.gov/t/pm/wra.