US stockpile for key missile defense system reported as 'dangerously low'

Reports indicate that the United States military's stockpile of critical missile defense interceptors has been significantly depleted, with some sources describing the inventory as "dangerously low." The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system has reportedly seen nearly 80% of its interceptors used, while approximately half of the Patriot missile interceptors have been expended since the start of the conflict with Iran. Additionally, long-range precision missiles like Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) are nearly exhausted, and Tomahawk missile supplies have also diminished significantly.

This depletion is largely attributed to the ongoing war with Iran, raising concerns about the US military's capacity for sustained operations and its ability to respond to potential future conflicts with other adversaries. Reports suggest that these inventory concerns may have influenced President Donald Trump's decision to postpone planned strikes against Iran. Furthermore, Gulf allies who rely on US air defense systems have reportedly expressed worries about their own vulnerability to Iranian attacks in light of the perceived shortages.

However, US officials have pushed back against these claims. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the reports as "NOT TRUE" and "Fake News," asserting that the Pentagon maintains a robust arsenal. President Trump has also publicly stated that the US possesses "massive amounts of 'munitions'" and is actively increasing production. Washington has announced multi-year agreements to boost the production of missile defense systems like PAC-3 MSE interceptors and THAAD systems, though the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates it could take until at least mid-2029 to restore Patriot and THAAD inventories to pre-war levels.