The ongoing conflict in Iran has led to a significant reduction in U.S. military stockpiles of key interceptor missiles, now estimated to be at just 40% of pre-war levels.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), as of July 27, the U.S. military's inventory of Patriot interceptor missiles is estimated to be between 759 and 827 units, down from approximately 2,330 units just before the war began in February.
Similarly, the stockpile of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missiles has decreased from 452 to an estimated 234 to 278 units during the same period.
Combined, the stockpiles of these two missile types total between 993 and 1,105 units, which is only about 36% to 40% of the 2,782 units available before the conflict.
The challenge lies in the lack of immediate replacements for the Patriot and THAAD systems, which are critical for protecting U.S. forces and key bases in the Middle East from Iranian ballistic missiles.
CSIS noted, “Standard missiles deployed on U.S. Navy ships can intercept ballistic missiles, but these vessels are often far from inland military bases, making them inadequate substitutes for Patriot and THAAD systems.”
As stockpiles dwindle, the U.S. military has begun to conserve interceptor missile usage. NBC reported that the military sometimes refrains from intercepting Iranian missiles if they are deemed to be heading toward areas without personnel or critical infrastructure.
The shortage of interceptor missiles poses a challenge not only in the Middle East but also for U.S. forces in the Western Pacific, where they must prepare for potential conflicts with China. CSIS predicts that replenishing the expended missiles could take years, as increasing production of advanced interceptors is not feasible in the short term.
Concerns about the declining stockpile have also been raised within the U.S. military. General Dan Cain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reportedly informed President Donald Trump that the ongoing war with Iran could further deplete essential munitions, impacting military operations in other regions.
However, the U.S. Department of Defense maintains that it has sufficient military capabilities to meet its needs.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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