Washington, DC, July 30 (ANI): The US military’s key air-defense missile inventories are facing mounting pressure as the conflict with Iran enters its fifth month, raising concerns about Washington’s ability to sustain operations in the Middle East while responding to security challenges elsewhere.
An assessment by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found that the United States has deployed significant numbers of Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors since the conflict began in late February, resulting in a sharp decline in reserve stockpiles.
According to CSIS estimates, before the outbreak of hostilities, the United States maintained approximately 2,200 Patriot interceptors across its two most advanced variants, along with nearly 452 THAAD missiles. The report estimates that current inventories have fallen to fewer than 827 Patriot interceptors and fewer than 278 THAAD ballistic missile interceptors.
Warning that shrinking inventories could force Washington and its allies to accept greater operational risks during air-defense missions, the report stated, “Diminished stockpiles may force the United States and its coalition partners to take more risks with interceptions. There are no good alternatives to Patriot and THAAD for ballistic missile defense.”
The think tank also noted that US Navy ships equipped with Standard Missiles are often positioned too far away to provide reliable protection against incoming ballistic missile attacks.
The findings contrast with statements by President Donald Trump, who dismissed concerns about depleted missile inventories, saying US stockpiles remain “in very good shape.”
The issue has become increasingly significant as hostilities between Washington and Tehran continue without a clear resolution. Analysts warned that a prolonged conflict could limit the United States’ ability to respond to crises in other regions.
CNN previously reported that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine raised concerns about dwindling missile inventories during a briefing with Trump, in which defense officials outlined the risks of a broader conflict with Iran.
Following that meeting, Trump ordered a temporary pause in military strikes against Iran. However, regional tensions have since escalated again. In recent days, US and Saudi forces carried out joint airstrikes against Iran-aligned groups in Iraq, while the US military said it had thwarted a “surprise attack” directed by Tehran against American troops in the region.
Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and co-author of the CSIS report, warned that prolonged combat could reduce US missile inventories to levels that would undermine military readiness beyond the Middle East.
Speaking to CNN, Cancian said an extended conflict with Iran could weaken the US military’s ability to respond effectively to potential contingencies involving China or North Korea, underscoring the broader global implications of the ongoing conflict. (ANI)
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