Joining
forces to enhance security
Singapore, the United States and Australia held a joint seminar
on
Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) in Singapore on 7
and
8 June 2007.
MANPADS are shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles. They
typically require infra-red guidance and can be a threat to
low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
The possession, export and trafficking of such weapons are typically
tightly controlled due to the threat they pose to civil aviation
and considerable concern over their potential use by terrorists.
The joint seminar brought together participants from the governments
of regional countries and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) economies.
Singapore Customs co-chaired the seminar with counterparts from
the United States and Australia, and gave a presentation on
Singapore’s Strategic Goods (Control) System.
Over the two days, the participants discussed and shared measures
that the international community had taken to tighten controls
over MANPADS. They also examined what could be done on the national
level to ensure the safety and security of each country’s
export control systems.
The seminar brought
together participants from worldwide who discussed
measures to tighten controls over MANPADS.
