U.S. Missile Defense Interceptor Stockpiles Decline Sharply, CSIS Warns

The United States has significantly depleted its stockpiles of missile defense interceptors since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran, according to a new assessment by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The think tank estimates that the U.S. has expended roughly one-third of its Patriot missile defense interceptors and nearly half of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors during the conflict.

CSIS estimates that the U.S. possessed approximately 2,330 Patriot interceptors before the conflict. That figure has now fallen to between 759 and 827.

The report also estimates that the U.S. inventory of THAAD interceptors has declined from approximately 452 before the conflict to between 234 and 278.

The estimates are based on publicly available information and budget documents released by the U.S. Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027, CSIS said.

The research organization warned that if hostilities with Iran intensify again, the United States would have to respond with a substantially reduced interceptor inventory. Such a scenario could increase pressure on U.S. air and missile defense capabilities and force both Washington and its allies to make more difficult strategic decisions regarding the deployment of interceptor missiles.

Source: Al Jazeera.