The United States has depleted nearly 80 percent of the interceptors used by its key missile defence system, according to a report by CNN citing multiple sources.
The report said senior US military commanders have warned that the Pentagon’s munitions stockpile has reached a dangerously low level following the conflict with Iran.
According to sources familiar with the latest inventory assessment, the US military has used nearly four-fifths of its THAAD missile interceptors compared with pre-war levels. The report added that roughly half of the Patriot missile interceptors have also been expended since the conflict began.
Furthermore, the report stated that air defence systems have experienced the most significant depletion during military operations linked to the war with Iran.
CNN reported that details regarding the reduced THAAD interceptor inventory had not been disclosed previously. The report cited multiple sources familiar with the classified inventory assessment.
The reported decline in interceptor stockpiles has raised concerns about the readiness of critical US missile defence systems. However, US defence officials have not publicly confirmed the reported inventory figures.
Meanwhile, the report highlighted growing concerns within military leadership over maintaining adequate missile defence capabilities while supporting ongoing operational requirements.
The Pentagon has not officially commented on the reported depletion levels or outlined any plans to replenish the missile interceptor inventory.
