Aviation, Maritime & Surface Transportation Global Security Pact Team
An operational unit of the Global Initiatives Division, developing international security pacts for aviation, maritime, and surface transportation — protecting the global transportation networks that move billions of passengers and trillions of dollars of cargo from terrorism, cyberattack, and other security threats.
Mission & Operational Scope
Securing the Networks That Connect the World
Global transportation infrastructure is both the circulatory system of the world economy and a high-value target for terrorism and state-sponsored attack. Aviation security has been transformed since 9/11, but new threats — shoulder-fired missiles, insider threats, and cyberattacks on air traffic management systems — require continuous adaptation of international security standards. Maritime security faces threats from piracy, terrorism, and the potential weaponization of the container shipping system that carries 90% of global trade. Surface transportation — rail, road, and pipeline networks — presents vast attack surfaces that are difficult to protect without international coordination.
This team develops the international security pacts that protect transportation infrastructure — establishing the standards, intelligence sharing protocols, and joint response frameworks that keep global transportation safe.
Governing Doctrine
Frameworks & Standards
- ICAO Annex 17ICAO Security Standards — international aviation security standards covering passenger screening, cargo security, and airport access control
- ISPS CodeInternational Ship and Port Facility Security Code — international framework for maritime security measures on ships and in port facilities
- UN SC Res. 1373UN Security Council Resolution 1373 — binding international counter-terrorism framework requiring states to prevent terrorist use of transportation infrastructure
- WCO SAFE FrameworkWorld Customs Organization SAFE Framework — international standards for supply chain security and customs cooperation that protect cargo transportation
Operational Capabilities
Six Core Functions
01
Aviation Security Standards
Develop international aviation security standards — strengthening ICAO Annex 17 requirements, developing emerging threat response protocols for MANPADS, insider threats, and cyberattacks on air traffic management, and building the intelligence sharing frameworks that allow airports to respond to evolving threats.
02
Maritime Security Pacts
Develop international maritime security pacts — strengthening ISPS Code implementation, developing counter-piracy coordination frameworks, and building the naval cooperation agreements that protect shipping lanes and port facilities from terrorism and state-sponsored attack.
03
Transportation Cybersecurity Standards
Develop international transportation cybersecurity standards — establishing the cyber-defense requirements for air traffic management, vessel navigation systems, and rail control infrastructure that protect transportation networks from the cyberattacks that could cause mass casualties.
04
Cross-Border Transportation Intelligence
Develop international frameworks for cross-border transportation intelligence sharing — establishing the passenger name record sharing standards, advance cargo information protocols, and joint threat assessment mechanisms that allow transportation security agencies to identify threats before they reach their targets.
05
CBRN Transportation Security
Develop international frameworks for CBRN transportation security — establishing the detection standards, response protocols, and decontamination frameworks that protect transportation hubs from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear attack.
06
Critical Transportation Infrastructure Protection
Develop international frameworks for critical transportation infrastructure protection — establishing the physical security standards, redundancy requirements, and rapid restoration protocols that protect bridges, tunnels, ports, and airports from attack and ensure rapid recovery when disruptions occur.