Heavy use of Patriot and THAAD missiles is raising questions about whether the US has enough weapons for a larger conflict.
Washington: The prolonged conflict between the United States and Iran is raising fresh questions about whether the US military has enough advanced interceptor missiles to sustain a larger or longer conflict.
As Iranian missile and drone attacks continue across the Middle East, the heavy use of Patriot and THAAD air defense systems has drawn attention from lawmakers, defense analysts, and military officials concerned about declining stockpiles.
Heavy Interceptor Use During Iran Conflict
Iran has intensified missile and drone attacks following the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire, targeting American military positions and regional infrastructure.
This week, the US military said it intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles during what it described as an “attempted surprise attack.” The incident followed a deadly Iranian strike on US forces in Jordan earlier this month, underscoring the growing pressure on American air defense systems.
Patriot and THAAD interceptors have played a central role in protecting US troops, military bases, and allied infrastructure across the region from ballistic missiles and drones.
Lawmakers Warn About Falling Stockpiles
The sustained pace of interceptions has prompted concerns on Capitol Hill over whether the United States has enough advanced missiles to respond to future conflicts.
“We have depleted our interceptors, which are obviously necessary to protect American troops,” Senator Chris Van Hollen said during an interview on ABC’s This Week.
He warned that continued use of these systems could leave the United States less prepared if another major conflict emerged elsewhere.
Pentagon Says US Forces Remain Prepared
The Pentagon has not disclosed the exact number of Patriot or THAAD interceptors currently in its inventory.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously downplayed concerns over ammunition shortages, while Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the military retains the capabilities needed to carry out operations worldwide.
“We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the US military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests,” Parnell said.
Trump Wants More Advanced Missiles
President Donald Trump acknowledged that although US missile inventories remain sufficient, he wants to expand production of advanced air defense systems.
“We have a lot of ammunition, different types,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
“For some of the more sophisticated stuff, we’d certainly like to have more.”
Trump also argued that previous US military aid to Ukraine under former President Joe Biden had contributed to pressure on American weapons inventories.
Think Tank Warns of Sharp Decline
A recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggested that the conflict has significantly reduced US interceptor stockpiles.
According to the report, the United States entered the conflict with more than 2,300 Patriot missiles and over 450 THAAD interceptors. After months of sustained operations, the think tank estimates those inventories have been reduced by roughly half or more.
CSIS noted that while the air defense campaign has achieved high interception rates, it has required the extensive use of expensive interceptor missiles.
Production Ramps Up
The United States has already begun expanding production to replenish its inventories.
Earlier this week, the Defense Department announced a $58.6 billion, seven-year contract with Lockheed Martin to accelerate Patriot missile production.
The company said the agreement would deliver critical interceptor missiles to US and allied forces at a faster pace as global demand for air defense systems continues to rise.
Trump also highlighted ongoing investment in expanding manufacturing capacity.
“Plants are being built. A lot of equipment is being built. The Patriots, in particular, are being built,” he said.
Wider Strategic Concerns
Defense analysts warn that interceptor shortages could eventually affect US military readiness beyond the Middle East.
CSIS said lower stockpiles could force the United States and its allies to take greater risks when deciding whether to intercept incoming threats.
The report also warned that reduced inventories may weaken America’s preparedness for a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in scenarios involving China, where advanced missile defense systems would play a critical role.
While the Pentagon maintains that current supplies remain adequate, the Iran conflict has highlighted how quickly modern air defense systems can consume large numbers of sophisticated missiles during sustained military operations.
