The United States has used nearly 80% of its THAAD air defense missile reserves and approximately half of its Patriot system missiles in the war with Iran, according to CNN citing informed sources.
According to estimates by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), before the war with Iran began, the U.S. military had approximately 452 THAAD missiles and roughly 2,200 modern Patriot air defense missiles.
The depletion of reserves has raised concerns not only in Washington but also among U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf, who largely rely on American air defense systems to protect against potential Iranian strikes.
According to CNN, the issue of ammunition shortages was discussed before President Donald Trump's decision to forgo new strikes against Iran. Military advisers warned the White House head twice in recent weeks about the risks of further depletion of reserves.
U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf region have expressed concerns that the deficit in American air defense systems could complicate protection against possible Iranian missile and drone attacks in case of further escalation.
What This Means for Ukraine
The depletion of THAAD and Patriot reserves may limit the U.S. ability to respond to new crises and support allies. It could also affect Washington's decision to provide Ukraine with interceptors, which Kyiv needs due to increased Russian ballistic strikes.
Pentagon and White House Position
Official Washington denies there is a critical problem. Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that U.S. armed forces have all the necessary capabilities to fulfill the tasks set by the president.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly also assured that the U.S. has "more than enough" ammunition and reserves to achieve all strategic goals of the Trump administration.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth also objected to CNN's report, calling the disclosed information false.
"CNN – shame on you," Hegseth wrote on the X social network.
Context
- Reuters reported earlier that the U.S. has used "virtually all" of its reserves of high-precision long-range ATACMS and PrSM missiles during the war with Iran.
- On July 27, the WSJ reported that the U.S. postponed new large-scale strikes against Iran due to depleted air defense reserves.
If official statements about sufficient reserves diverge from the pace of supplies to allies, this will become evident in how the next batches of Patriot missiles are distributed among Ukraine, Israel, and Persian Gulf countries.
