Number: RL31741
Title: Homeland Security: Protecting Airliners from Terrorist Missiles
Authors: Christopher Bolkcom t, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division; and Bartholomew Elias, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Legislation introduced in the 108th Congress called for the installation of missile defense systems in all turbojet aircraft used in scheduled air carrier service. Homeland Security appropriations designated $60 million in FY2004, $61 million in FY2005, and $110 million in FY2006 to fund a program to develop and test prototype missile countermeasure systems for commercial aircraft based on existing military technology. It is anticipated that at the conclusion of this program, the Department of Homeland Security will be able to provide a detailed analysis of the suitability of such systems for use to protect commercial passenger aircraft.
Pages: 26
Date: February 16, 2006