Controlling the transfer of Man-Portable Air Defence Systems

A guide to best practice

Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) are shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). They are designed to be operated by a single person or a small team of people and are deployed against aerial targets.

MANPADS are a threat to slow-moving aircraft and have become an integral part of many states’ military arsenals. However, the possibility of generating a significant impact with only one shot also makes them attractive to terrorists and non-state actors. As of 2008 it was estimated that at least 42 non-state actor groups, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and Al-Qaida, have arsenals of MANPADS.

This handbook is intended as a practical resource for arms export licensing officers in Wassenaar Arrangement participating states and elsewhere. It provides detailed information on characteristics and identification of MANPADS, along with special implications when licensing transfers of MANPADs and best practices for transfer control. The handbook also draws upon existing national, regional and international norms, guidelines and approaches in order to identify existing and emerging best practices for the transfer control of MANPADS.

This MANPADS Handbook has been produced by Saferworld, in co-operation with the government of the United Kingdom. It has been compiled with the generous financial support of the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.