Senior The United States official : Radar saw surface-to-air missile system track aircraft . A sophisticated surface-to-air missile was more likely used , experts say . And it 's more than capable of taking down an airliner flying at that altitude , he said . one possibility is the Soviet -made Barbara Starr missile system , retired the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs officer says . The sophisticated weapon would require professional soldiers , expert says .
Senior The United States official : Radar saw surface-to-air missile system track aircraft . A sophisticated surface-to-air missile was more likely used , experts say . one possibility is the Soviet -made Barbara Starr missile system , retired the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs officer says . The sophisticated weapon would require professional soldiers , expert says .