CNN: US THAAD Missile Stockpiles Dwindle to Just One-Fifth, Dangerously Low

The inventory of U.S. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) interceptor missiles has reportedly plummeted, with only about one-fifth remaining.

Citing multiple sources familiar with the U.S. military's ammunition inventory, CNN reported on the 4th (local time) that this marks the first time such a significant reduction in THAAD missile stockpiles has been made public.

Patriot interceptor missiles are also reported to have been depleted by about half compared to levels before the Iran war.

CNN noted that internal warnings are emerging from senior commanders that the stockpiles have reached dangerously low levels.

Previously, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a U.S. think tank, released an analysis showing that U.S. interceptor missile inventories stand at only about 40% of pre-Iran war levels.

According to CSIS figures, the U.S. military held 2,330 Patriot and 452 THAAD missiles as of February 27, just before the war began, which decreased to 759 to 827 Patriots and 234 to 278 THAADs as of June 27.

While CSIS estimated that about 50% of THAAD missiles remained, CNN reported that roughly 80% has been depleted.

High-precision long-range missiles have also been substantially exhausted.

Reuters reported that the U.S. military has depleted most of its high-precision long-range missile reserves since the Iran war, stating that weapons such as Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) are virtually exhausted.

CNN also reported that stockpiles of Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles have been depleted by nearly half.

The replenishment rate remains significantly slower than the rate of depletion.

CNN reported that only about 15 Tomahawks and 20 Patriots are being delivered to the U.S. Department of Defense each month.

CSIS projects that it will take more than three years to restore THAAD missile stockpiles to pre-Iran war levels.

The shortage of U.S. weapon inventories is also posing constraints on President Trump’s response to Iran.

The risks surrounding the war with Iran have been compounded by the weapon shortages.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine reportedly raised concerns regarding the weapon shortages to President Donald Trump during a White House meeting held on July 24.

President Trump had previously threatened a massive strike against Iran before withholding action.

Concerns are rising that this shortage of key U.S. weapons could provoke provocative moves by nations such as China and Russia.

Apprehensions are also mounting among Middle Eastern countries that rely on U.S. air defense assets to counter Iranian attacks.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.