Location: The Heritage Foundation's Lehrman Auditorium
According to State Department estimates, shoulder-fired missiles
have downed twenty-five airplanes and killed over 600 people since
the 1970s. Although such anti-aircraft weapons - termed
man-portable, air defense systems (MANPADS) - are stockpiled by
most governments around the world, including the United States, for
defensive purposes, they are also a favorite among terrorist
groups. Relatively inexpensive and easy to transport and conceal,
MANPADS pose a real threat to passenger, commercial, and military
aircraft around the globe. The question, then, is, after pouring
billions of dollars into improving airline security procedures, how
is the U.S. now prepared to respond? What are the policies and
technologies being developed to counter MANPADS? Is a plane-based
device or a ground-based system the best defense? What are the
barriers to the implementation of defensive systems? Join us as our
experts analyze how to confront the homeland security threat posed
by MANPADS in the hands of terrorists.
More About the Speakers
John Meenan
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer,
Air Transport Association
Jack Pledger
Director,
IRCM Business Development,
Northrop Grumman
Mark Slivinski
Vigilant Eagle Strategy Lead,
Raytheon