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MANPADs
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MANPADs

Shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles; deployed by Iran on Kharg Island beaches.

Last refreshed: 2 April 2026

Key Question

Why do shoulder-fired missiles make a Kharg Island landing so dangerous?

Timeline for MANPADs

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Common Questions
What are MANPADs?
Man-portable air-defence systems: shoulder-fired missiles that shoot down low-flying aircraft and helicopters, effective up to 4,500 metres.Source: background
Why are MANPADs on Kharg Island a problem?
They threaten the helicopters and landing craft Marines depend on during beach approach. Combined with mines, they create layered defence against amphibious assault.Source: background

Background

MANPADs (man-portable air-defence systems) are shoulder-fired missiles designed to shoot down low-flying aircraft and helicopters. Iran deployed MANPADs on Kharg Island beaches as part of its fortification against a potential US Marine amphibious assault.

The weapons are lightweight, concealable, and require minimal training. They are most effective against helicopters and transport aircraft at altitudes below 4,500 metres. In an amphibious scenario, MANPADs threaten the landing craft, helicopters, and close air support that Marines depend on during the vulnerable beach approach.

War on the Rocks cited Iran's MANPAD deployment alongside mine laying as evidence that a Kharg seizure would be extremely high-risk. The combination of mines in the approach and MANPADs on the beach creates a layered defence against precisely the kind of operation the Pentagon has been planning.