The recent news spotlight has fallen on the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), prominently for their supply of weapons, such as shoulder-fired missiles known as Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems (MANPADS), to Ukraine. This has sparked global interest in these sophisticated defence systems, which have been incorporated into the military strategies of various nations including India, Pakistan, Germany, UK, Turkey, and Israel.
Background: Russia – The Leading Exporter of MANPADS
Russia emerges as the leading exporter of MANPADS globally, having sold over 10,000 such systems just within the period of 2010 to 2018 to multiple countries. Notable recipients include Iraq, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, and Libya.
Understanding MANPADS: What They Are and How They Function
Briefly, MANPADS are lightweight, portable surface-to-air missiles, operable by individuals or small groups. They serve to neutralize potential aerial threats by taking down aircraft or helicopters. Their efficiency lies in targeting low-flying aircraft, leading to their widespread use in safeguarding ground troops from air attacks. Along similar lines, Man-Portable Anti-Tank Systems (MANPATs) are used to incapacitate military tanks. Introduced by the US and Soviet Union in the 1960s, the maximum engagement range for these devices is approximately 8 kilometers, with an altitude reach of 4.5 km.
Key Features of MANPADS
These armaments’ user-friendly nature stems from their lightweight design, allowing individual soldiers to operate them. Whether shoulder-fired, launched from vehicles, or fired from stands or tripods, MANPADS weigh a comfortable 10 to 20 kilograms and stretch no longer than 1.8 meters. Another prominent feature is their ‘fire and forget’ guidance systems, which eliminate the need for the operator to guide the missile to its target. This enables rapid repositioning post-launch. The arsenal of the missiles also includes infrared (IR) seekers, used to trace heat radiation emitted from the target aircraft.
Variations in MANPADS
Over the years, several variants of MANPADS have been developed by different countries. Some of the widely known ones include Stinger Missiles (US), Igla MANPADS (Russia), Starstreak (Britain), RBS-70 MANPADS Series (Sweden), and Next Generation Light Antitank Weapon or NLAW missiles along with Javelin missiles (US and NATO).
The Downside: Potential Risks and Concerns Relating MANPADS
Despite their strategic importance, the use of MANPADS does pose significant challenges. Civilian causalities form one such area of concern, as evidenced by the 2019 study which pointed out that over 60 civilian aircraft had been hit by MANPADS since the 1970s, leading to more than 1,000 fatalities. The illicit acquisition and misuse of MANPADS by non-state actors such as rebel and terrorist groups is another troubling aspect often associated with these devices. Equally critical is the possible contribution of the supply of MANPADS to Ukraine on fueling the illegal weapon trade network. Such serious repercussions underscore the need for careful evaluation when strategizing the use and distribution of these defence systems.