Caption: SALW program weapons collection. (DTRA photo)

Throughout the Cold War, tens of thousands of pistols, machine guns, shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles and rocket propelled grenades were built and shipped around the world. Since then, many of these weapons have fallen into dangerous hands, fueling local and international armed conflicts and supplying low-level terrorists with the ability to cause widespread casualties and economic disaster.

Through the Small Arms Light Weapons Program (SALW) DTRA helps countries reduce and rid themselves of these weapons before they can work their way into enemy hands. Additionally, the relationships DTRA has built through the SALW program are helping us counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD) – demonstrating to a country that we can help them control and reduce weapons within their own borders, and also provide assistance and training as it relates to WMD.