U.S. Depleted 25% of Advanced Missile Interceptors During Israel-Iran Clash, Revealing Supply Shortfall

SPHINX News: Nouran Deyab

The United States used about 25 percent of its supply of advanced THAAD missile interceptors during the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June, according to multiple sources familiar with the operation. The interceptors were deployed at a rate far faster than current production levels can support.

US forces responded to Iran’s large-scale missile attacks by launching between 100 and 150 THAAD interceptors. This represents a significant portion of the available stockpile. Out of the seven THAAD systems the US owns, two were sent to Israel to support the defense effort.

The high rate of use over a short period revealed a gap in US missile defense readiness and depleted a costly asset at a time when public support for US involvement in Israeli defense is reportedly at a low point.

In the past year, the US procured only 11 new THAAD interceptors and is expected to receive just 12 more in the current fiscal year, according to defense budget documents. Plans are in place to increase the number to 37 next year.

A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the US military remains fully prepared to carry out missions globally and has the capabilities needed to meet any threat. However, several defense analysts and former officials have expressed concern over the pace of replenishing critical missile systems, especially those needed in case of wider conflicts.

One missile defense expert noted that the scale of support provided to Israel was substantial, but warned that the US cannot continue to operate at such levels without expanding production. He emphasized that THAAD interceptors are a limited and high-value resource.

A retired senior military officer confirmed that about a quarter of the entire THAAD inventory was used during the conflict. He added that the Department of Defense is now reviewing its wartime stock levels and pushing to boost annual production, calling the effort “long overdue.”

Concerns over missile stockpiles were already growing before the recent conflict. Several former senior officials noted that the issue is especially pressing in the context of maintaining deterrence capabilities against major powers such as China.

One former defense official said they were surprised by how low readiness levels had become in recent years. Another added that production is simply not keeping pace with rising global threats.

A former assistant secretary of defense explained that missile defense is critical in every major theater of operations today, but there are not enough systems, interceptors, or trained personnel to meet demand. She described the situation as a combination of high urgency and limited resources.

Globally, there are nine active THAAD batteries, seven of which belong to the US. According to recent reports, two US systems were recently moved to the Middle East to support Israel. Others are stationed in Texas, Guam, and South Korea. Two additional batteries were delivered to the United Arab Emirates, where they have been used to intercept missiles fired by Houthi militants.

Despite the large number of interceptors used, dozens of Iranian missiles still reached targets in Israel, causing some of the most serious damage seen in the country in recent decades. Open-source footage and expert analysis suggest that Iran’s success rate increased as the conflict progressed.

The THAAD system, developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed to destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their final stage of flight. Each battery is operated by 95 soldiers and includes six launchers and 48 interceptors. Each interceptor costs around $12.7 million.

The US Department of Defense has included additional funding in its upcoming budget proposal to improve supply chains and expand missile production. A senior defense official stated that the goal is to ensure the President has access to the strongest possible military options under any circumstances.

Still, many experts argue that the current pace of production must increase significantly to meet future security needs.