US Uses Quarter of THAAD Interceptors in Israel-Iran War Exposing Supply Gap

During the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June, the United States expended approximately a quarter of its stockpile of high-end THAAD missile interceptors, firing over 100 and possibly up to 150 interceptors to counter Iran's ballistic missile barrage. This significant use involved two of the seven US THAAD systems and exposed critical vulnerabilities in America's missile defense capabilities, highlighting a gap between operational demands and production capacity. The US produced only 11 new interceptors last year and plans to acquire 12 more this fiscal year, with an increase to 37 planned for next year, but experts warn that current production remains insufficient to meet ongoing defense needs. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson asserted that the US military remains fully capable to conduct any mission worldwide, citing the success of Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran's nuclear capabilities, although early intelligence suggested the nuclear program was only delayed, not destroyed. Defense analysts and former officials expressed concern about the rapid depletion of THAAD interceptors amid growing global threats, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, and stressed the importance of increasing production capacity. The situation reflects the challenges faced by the US in sustaining missile defense readiness while supporting allies like Israel under intense regional conflict.