§2332g Missile Systems Designed to Destroy Aircraft

Summary

It makes it a crime to knowingly make, buy, sell, get, own, import, export, use, or threaten to use certain rockets or missiles that are guided to find or home in on an aircraft, any device meant to launch or guide those rockets, or parts made to build them. It does not cover devices that are not made or changed to be weapons. Actions done by or for the United States or a State, or under a contract with them, are not covered. The United States can prosecute when the act affects interstate or foreign trade, happens outside the U.S. by a U.S. citizen, is committed against a U.S. citizen abroad, involves U.S. government property, or when someone helps or conspires with a person under these rules. Penalties are fines up to $2,000,000 and prison for at least 25 years or for life. If the person uses or threatens to use the items, the prison term is at least 30 years or life. If someone dies because of the crime, the punishment is life in prison and a fine up to $2,000,000. The word “aircraft” uses the definition in 49 U.S.C. 40102(a)(6).