MANPAD Threat to Civilian Airliners

摘要

This paper investigates strategic approaches to combat the threat of Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MAN PADS) to civilian airliners. The current technological approach being applied to defend airliners 'after' MAN PAD employment merely addresses the tactical issue and allows adversaries a strategic advantage. The United States must strive to prevent and deter the threat from ever achieving the opportunity to launch in order to assure strategic success. This will require a multi-faceted approach that includes a robust and viable U.S. policy abroad, a layered and integrated intelligence and security system to screen our borders and our airports, and a flexible and tailored response should the threat penetrate these defenses. Detailed research probes the depth and breadth of U.S. foreign policies to manage MAN PAD development, proliferation, and access by hostile groups and nations. It also covers the advancement of U.S. internal policies that conjoin intelligence and security initiatives to assure a seamless barrier to threats and their ability to achieve launch opportunities. While considering the significant negative economic impact on the airline industry, the paper concludes with a strategic solution to contend with the structural and systemic challenges of a MANPAD launch on a civilian airliner.