- US stockpile of THAAD interceptors is nearly 80% depleted since Iran war began
- Patriot interceptors usage has reached about 50% depletion during the conflict
- Tomahawk missile usage was about 30% in early stages of the Iran war
The war in Iran has reportedly left the United States' stockpile of interceptors for a key missile defence system "dangerously low." The US military has exhausted nearly 80 per cent of its interceptors for the THAAD anti-ballistic missile defence system compared to pre-war inventory and about 50 per cent of its Patriot interceptors since the start of the war, according to a report by CNN.
An earlier report said the US military had used nearly 30 per cent of its Tomahawks during the early stages of the war in April.
Citing sources, the American broadcaster reported that the depleting defence ammunition was one of the reasons advisers convinced US President Donald Trump to hold off on a planned major strike against Iran over the weekend.
The White House has, meanwhile, asserted that Trump held off the attack due to pressure from Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia.
Limited Stock
According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies' estimates, before the war in Iran started, US forces had around 2,200 Patriots (of the platform's two most-modernised variants) and 452 THAAD missiles in its stockpile.
The US Army has also used "virtually all" of its highly accurate long-range, surface-to-air weapons during the war, the report said. Reuters has also reported on specific concerns about US stockpiles of long-range precision missiles.
Weekend Strikes Called Off
Sources told CNN that during their call with Trump regarding the escalation of attacks on Iran, Gulf allies raised fresh concerns about how a shortage of air defence systems could impact their ability to ward off potential Iranian retaliation.
Most of the Middle Eastern nations with US bases rely on US air defence systems and have acknowledged the stockpile shortage could hinder their own ability to intercept incoming Iranian missile and drone attacks -- particularly if they are targeted in response to any American escalation, multiple officials said.
The recent warnings about receding munitions coupled with intelligence about the potential negative effects of striking Iran's critical infrastructure, including energy-related targets, and concerns voiced by Gulf countries, convince some of Trump's most hawkish advisers to call off planned operations over the weekend, the sources said.
White House's Denial
The White House, meanwhile, denied the report of an ammunition shortage. Speaking with CNN, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the US military "has more than enough munitions, ammo, and stockpiles to serve all of President Trump's strategic goals and beyond."
"Operation Epic Fury has exposed what happens when you mess with the United States. Even still, the President has urged our defense contractors to constantly produce more made-in-America weapons, which are the best in the world," Kelly added.
