US Bids to Give Guns to Pilots on All Flights

The federal body charged with protecting air passengers from terrorist attacks is asking governments around the world for permission to place armed pilots on international flights.

The transport section of the Department of Homeland Security wants to extend the system whereby pilots are currently armed on a small number of domestic flights within the US. Pilots are unarmed on international flights originating from America even though they are considered higher risk.

There are about 2,000 armed air marshals who fly on domestic and international US flights as passengers. The US administration wants agreements with the UK and other countries that cover the use of air marshals to apply to armed pilots. Officials say this would allow a much greater reach as pilots are present on all flights.

The request, which has been expected in London and other capitals for several months, is likely to be greeted cautiously by countries that insist US air marshals hand over their guns before entry into foreign territory. The Swedish embassy in Washington told USA Today that it did not want to see more arms on planes.

The British embassy in Washington said it did not comment on security matters.