Man-Portable Air Defense Systems
Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) are lightweight, shoulder-fired missile systems designed to target and destroy low-flying aircraft. They are typically used by military forces and can be operated by a single soldier, making them highly mobile and effective in various combat situations. MANPADS are equipped with infrared homing technology, allowing them to track and engage aircraft based on their heat signatures.
These systems have gained prominence due to their ability to counter threats from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, especially in asymmetric warfare scenarios. However, their proliferation poses risks, as they can be acquired by non-state actors, potentially leading to increased threats to civilian and military aviation.