Trump's New Aviation Security Strategy Looks To Counter Proliferation Of MANPADS

The Trump administration is looking to reduce the threat of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) falling into the hands of terrorists, the US National Strategy for Aviation Security (NSAS) revealed

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st February, 2019) The Trump administration is looking to reduce the threat of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) falling into the hands of terrorists, the US National Strategy for Aviation Security (NSAS) revealed.

"The IMTR [MANPAD Threat Reduction Plan] addresses as its main priority the immediate threat posed by MANPADS that are already out of government control and either in the possession of terrorists and other non-state actors of concern or readily available via illicit sales," according to the strategy document released by the White House on Wednesday.

The document also warned that unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in private hands pose a rapidly growing risk to US domestic civilian aviation. Drones have been used to fly drugs, money, and weapons across borders, the strategy said.

Reports of unauthorized UAS operating near airports were also on the rise, potentially creating a hazard to manned aircraft, the strategy added.

The NSAS outlines the president's strategy and action plan for tackling issues that threaten the Aviation Ecosystem.