FAS

Defense Intelligence on the Lookout for MANPADS Components

08.09.06 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

The Defense Intelligence Agency has prepared an illustrated briefing (pdf) on the components of a MANPADS shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile briefing to assist security personnel in identifying such weapons and apprehending those who possess them without authorization.

“An individual cannot legally possess a MANPADS [man-portable air defense system] under federal law,” the DIA briefing notes.

“If you encounter an individual in possession of a piece of equipment that resembles any of the attached photos… please hold and notify the On-Call Intelligence agent.”

The briefing was produced for the Transportation Security Administration by the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Missile and Space Intelligence Center.

See “MANPADS Components,” Defense Intelligence Agency, undated (2002).

A PowerPoint version of the same briefing is available here.