Jakarta, ThedailyID — The United States has used nearly 80% of its THAAD missile interceptors and about half of its Patriot missile stockpile during the ongoing conflict with Iran, raising concerns over the Pentagon’s shrinking air defense inventory, according to a CNN report citing sources familiar with internal assessments.
Senior U.S. military commanders have warned that the rapid depletion of key munitions could weaken the country’s ability to respond to future threats in the Middle East.
The missile systems, deployed across Gulf countries, have intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones since the conflict began.
Before the war, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the United States possessed roughly 452 THAAD interceptors and 2,200 Patriot missiles across its two most modern variants.
The reported shortage of THAAD interceptors has not previously been disclosed.
Regional allies have also voiced concerns over declining U.S. missile inventories. Several countries rely on American air defense systems to protect against potential Iranian retaliation.
Officials warned that lower stockpiles could reduce their ability to intercept future missile and drone attacks if the conflict escalates.
The issue resurfaced before President Donald Trump decided last weekend to cancel plans for another military strike on Iran.
During internal discussions, Trump’s senior military advisers reportedly raised concerns about the dwindling supply of critical U.S. munitions.
Sources familiar with a recent Pentagon assessment also said the U.S. Army has expended nearly all of its long-range, high-precision surface-to-air weapons during the conflict.
Reuters first reported concerns about the availability of America’s long-range precision missile stockpiles.
