ISIS apparently has advanced surface-to-air missile launchers

(Image credit: U.S. Dept. Homeland Security)

last updated 10 January 2015

Iraqi and U.S. air patrols now have to contend with the possibility that Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants have sophisticated surface-to-air missile launchers, or Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (Manpads). ISIS has released a video apparently showing a militant with a Chinese-made FN-6 launcher shooting down an Iraqi helicopter in northern Iraq, and ISIS claims to have shot down several other Iraqi copters.

Most U.S. fighter jets are out of range of even the most advanced Madpads, but the Apache gunships the U.S. has started deploying in some circumstances may be at risk, as are Iraqi attack and surveillance helicopters. There's also concern about commercial and military aircraft landing and taking off at Baghdad's heavily guarded airport, a crucial logistical hub for U.S. forces. "Based on past conflicts," an unidentified senior American military told The New York Times, the Manpads "are game changers out there." The State Department has a helpful guide to Manpads and the threats they pose.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.

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