US Missile Interceptor Stocks Dwindle Since Start of War with Iran

Hamilton, Canada (ANTARA) - The United States military’s stockpile of primary interceptor missiles has shrunk drastically since the war with Iran began, according to a CNN report on Tuesday. Citing sources familiar with the matter and the latest inventory assessments, CNN reported that the US military has used almost 80 percent of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor missiles and roughly half of its Patriot missile stocks. Senior US commanders have privately described the Pentagon’s ammunition reserves as being at a ‘very low’ level. The depletion of THAAD stocks adds to existing concerns regarding Patriot missile inventories. According to the report, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the US possessed approximately 2,200 of the latest Patriot missile variants and 452 THAAD interceptors before the conflict with Iran began. Gulf nations that rely on US-made air defence systems have reportedly warned that the reduced missile stocks could weaken their ability to counter Iranian missile and drone attacks, particularly in the event of retaliatory strikes following further US military action. CNN also reported that the dwindling missile supplies were a factor in President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel plans for additional strikes against Iran last weekend. The decision came after several US allies in the Gulf region expressed concerns that their energy infrastructure could become a target for Iranian retaliation. Responding to the report, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the US military retains the necessary capabilities to carry out any operation as directed by the president. Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told CNN that the US still possesses more than sufficient ammunition and missile stocks to meet President Trump’s objectives. CNN further reported that supplies of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), and Tomahawk cruise missiles have also been significantly reduced. According to the report, the Pentagon is currently receiving only about 15 Tomahawk missiles and 20 new Patriot missiles each month. Analysts estimate it would take at least three years to restore THAAD interceptor stocks to pre-war levels.