What are MANPADS?
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Short-range, lightweight, and portable surface-to-air missiles that may be fired by individuals or small groups to kill aeroplanes or helicopters are known as Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems.
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They aid in the protection of troops from aerial attacks and are particularly efficient against low-flying aircraft.
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Man-Portable Anti-Tank Systems, or MANPATs, are identical but are used to destroy military tanks.
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MANPADS can be fired from a helicopter or boat, or launched from atop a ground vehicle.
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Why in news? The US and NATO allies are sending Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPADS) arms shipments to Ukraine.
Significant features of MANPADS:
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Requires substantially less training
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Maximum range of 8 km
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Engage targets at altitudes of 4.5 km
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‘Fire and forget’ guidance systems
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Fitted with infrared (IR) seekers
When were MANPADS used in the past?
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In the 1960s, the United States and the Soviet Union introduced the first MANPADS.
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MANPADS from Russia and the United States were also utilized in the Vietnam War.
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In the 1980s, the United States provided Afghanistan with MANPADS.
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India, Pakistan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Israel have all employed MANPADS in their defensive endeavours.