Your link only overviewed MANPADS up to the SA-18 model and did not include the SA-24, which locks on in just 3 seconds or so and generally will not be deceived by countermeasures as simple as flares and chaff.
But even if it had, if we had knowledge that 15,000 samples of MANPADS as old as the SA-7 were in the hands of AQ, then that instead would be news, and it would be very bad news.
“if we had knowledge that 15,000 samples of MANPADS as old as the SA-7 were in the hands of AQ, then that instead would be news, and it would be very bad news.”
Yes indeed.
“Although there have been news media reports of the more modern Russian SA-24 Manpads in Libya, there is no evidence yet to support the claims, American officials said. The SA-24s purchased by Libya were part of a vehicle-mounted system, the evidence suggests, and were not configured for shoulder firing. No SA-24 grip stocks or paperwork for grip stocks have been found.”
Note that this is a reference to the CREW SERVED SA-24 not the MANPADS version. From what I have read, originally an observer in post revolution Libya had identified an empty crate at a looted arsenal as having contained a MANPADS SA-24; however, this was later discredited as the crate markings indicated the heavier, twin tube, crew served, mounted version and the observer later recanted his original statement to reflect the latter conclusion.
What is the real truth? ...who knows!
I like your “handle” foreign devil!!!
Regrads,
-Geoff