An Evolving Challenge

Today, commercial aviation is growing at a rapid rate.  Unfortunately, commercial aviation is also the primary target of several terrorist groups and other malicious actors around the world.  Since the late 20^th century, commercial aviation has been attacked from a variety of threat vectors—the methods used to hit a target – and increasingly advanced techniques. 

Terrorists actively collect information about the global aviation security system and its technology.  Using this data, terrorists have been very inventive and modified their techniques and tactics based on changes in security methods.  We have witnessed attacks within the aircraft cabin, attacks that use the aircraft as a weapon, hijackings, attacks generated from the cargo systems, the use of surface to air missiles, and many other types of threats. Additionally, civil aviation faces threats not only from terrorists but from unstable government groups, mentally ill people, criminals, and military or paramilitary organizations.