US media report that the US stockpile of interceptor missiles and defense systems has dropped by more than 50% to 80% from pre-war levels with Iran, and it will take several years to restore it to previous strength.
CNN cited sources familiar with the situation in the US military saying that nearly 80%—almost four out of five—of the interceptor missiles for the THAAD air defense system have been used compared to before the conflict with Iran, while about half of the missiles for the Patriot system have also been expended.
Additionally, long-range strategic missiles such as ATACMS and the precision strike missile PrSM have been used to the point of being nearly out of stock, while Tomahawk missiles have also been used up by nearly half.
Experts indicate it may take more than three years to restore the THAAD and Patriot missile stockpiles to their pre-war levels, as current production rates are limited to only a few dozen missiles per month.
Sources said that warnings about weapon shortages from senior military commanders, including General Dan Kinne, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were key factors in President Donald Trump’s decision to instruct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to halt a major airstrike plan against Iran last weekend.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that before the war with Iran began on 28 Feb 2021 GMT+7, the US had about 2,200 missiles for the Patriot system and 452 interceptor missiles for THAAD.
Meanwhile, US allies in the Middle East, including Gulf Arab states, are concerned that if the conflict escalates, shortages in air defense systems could leave them heavily targeted by Iranian retaliation, especially attacks on energy infrastructure.
Spokespersons for the White House and the Department of Defense (Pentagon) have affirmed that the US military still has sufficient capabilities and weaponry to defend the country and meet President Trump’s strategic goals, while urging arms manufacturers to urgently expand production capacity.
However, experts warn that this sharp reduction in weapons stockpiles could directly impact the US’s capability if it faces confrontations or war with other major powers in the future, such as China, Russia, or North Korea.
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Source:cnn