The alarming news about America’s stockpile of advanced interceptors continues to mount as sources confirm the US has nearly two-thirds of its Patriot missile stockpile.
On Monday, the Center for Strategic and International Studies reported the US had fewer than 827 Patriot missiles available in its arsenal. Before the war, the US had over 2,200 of the advanced interceptors. Additionally, the US has used about 40% of its THAAD interceptors, leaving just 278 in the Pentagon’s stockpiles. CNN confirmed the CSIS estimate with three sources familiar with the matter.
The alarming drain in America’s advanced interceptors reportedly caused President Donald Trump to call off a planned attack on Iran last weekend. On Friday, Trump met with top advisers about ordering new operations against Iran. Top military officials, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Trump that while the military was capable of conducting a major attack on Iran, doing so would dangerously thin the US stockpile of advanced interceptors.
Gen. Caine also told Congress last week that without additional funding, the Pentagon will “not get the munitions” it needs.
The lack of interceptors has led military commanders in the Middle East not to attempt to shoot down Iranian missiles if they are not on the trajectory to hit a populated portion of a US military base.
CSIS reported in April that the US had also used about half of its standoff munitions and Standard Missiles during the conflict. The think tank estimates it will take four years or longer to replenish the American arsenal.
