WASHINGTON – Web Desk: The United States has depleted approximately 80% of its THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) interceptors and nearly half of its Patriot air defense missiles during the recent war with Iran, raising concerns among senior military commanders, according to a CNN report.
Citing informed sources and a recent military inventory review, CNN said the Pentagon’s overall weapons and defense missile stockpiles have reached dangerously low levels. Concerns over Patriot missile shortages had previously been raised, but this is the first time THAAD system depletion has been reported.
The report noted that restoring these stockpiles could become a significant challenge for the Pentagon, given the time and substantial financial resources required to produce advanced air defense interceptors. The US Department of Defense has not yet issued an official response to the CNN report.
Defense experts say if the inventories have indeed dropped to such levels, the US may need to strengthen its defense production and supply chains. THAAD and Patriot systems are among America’s most critical air defense systems, designed to intercept ballistic missiles, drones, and other aerial threats before they reach their targets.
