Recent fighting with Iran further draws down key US air defense stockpiles, analysis says

A new analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicates that recent fighting with Iran has significantly depleted U.S. stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, specifically Patriot and THAAD systems. This reduction, estimated at over 65% for Patriots and 38% for THAADs, could force the U.S. and its allies to take greater risks, such as firing fewer interceptors at incoming threats, thereby increasing the chance of successful attacks. The Pentagon, however, maintains that the U.S. military possesses sufficient capabilities. The depleted stockpiles have become a concern amid the ongoing conflict, with the Pentagon requesting substantial funds to replenish munitions. CSIS estimates it could take years to fully restore these critical weapon inventories.

The US has significantly depleted its missile stockpiles during its conflict with Iran, according to CSIS estimates. Thousands of Tomahawk missiles, costing approximately $2.6 million each, have been fired, with replenishment potentially taking until 2031. The Patriot air defense system also saw heavy use, with an estimated 1,430 interceptors expended, each costing around $4 million, against much cheaper Iranian drones. Limited supplies of the more advanced THAAD system were also heavily utilized, raising concerns about its availability for potential threats from Russia, China, or North Korea. This depletion occurs as US military planners focus on the Pacific and the potential for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, with some predicting this could become more likely around 2027.