THAAD To Patriots: Iran War Has Depleted "Virtually All" Of US' Missile Interceptors
Reports indicate that the US military's stockpile of missile interceptors for THAAD and Patriot systems has been significantly depleted due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. This shortage has reportedly influenced strategic decisions regarding potential military strikes.
Why it matters
The depletion of critical defense munitions impacts national security and the ability of the US and its allies to respond to regional threats.
The war in Iran has reportedly left the United States' stockpile of interceptors for a key missile defence system "dangerously low." The US military has exhausted nearly 80 per cent of its interceptors for the THAAD anti-ballistic missile defence system compared to pre-war inventory and about 50 per cent of its Patriot interceptors since the start of the war, according to a report by CNN. An earlier report said the US military had used nearly 30 per cent of its Tomahawks during the early stages of the war in April.Citing sources, the American broadcaster reported that the depleting defence ammunition was one of the reasons advisers convinced US President Donald Trump to hold off on a planned major strike against Iran over the weekend. The White House has, meanwhile, asserted that Trump held off the attack due to pressure from Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia.Limited StockAccording to the Centre for Strategic and…
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