Working with our allies and partners to keep shoulder-fired, anti-aircraft missiles out of the wrong hands

SUMMARY: Countering the proliferation of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) – or shoulder-fired, anti-aircraft missiles – has been a top U.S. national security priority for decades. In the hands of terrorists, criminals, or other violent non-state actors, MANPADS pose a serious threat to air travel, including both commercial and military aircraft, around the world. On February 17, 2021, the U.S. Chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Forum for Security Cooperation (FSC) convened a security dialogue, where the U.S. drew attention to this complex and dynamic international security challenge. They also discussed how we could work more effectively with our allies and partners to curb illicit MANPADS proliferation.