US Depleted 80% of Interceptors for Key Missile Shield
Nearly four-fifths of THAAD missiles and half of Patriot stocks have been expended since the conflict began, and replenishment could take years.
Nearly four-fifths of THAAD missiles and half of Patriot stocks have been expended since the conflict began, and replenishment could take years.
The U.S. military has expended nearly 80 percent of its interceptors for one of its key missile defense systems, and senior military commanders warn that the Pentagon's ammunition stockpiles are "dangerously low," CNN has learned from multiple sources familiar with the situation.
Stocks of key air defense systems have been particularly depleted during the war with Iran. Compared with pre-war numbers, the U.S. military has expended nearly four-fifths of its THAAD missile inventory and roughly half of its Patriot interceptors since the conflict began, according to two sources familiar with the latest inventory report. The figure on low THAAD stocks has not been previously reported.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that before the war with Iran, the United States had approximately 2,200 Patriot missiles (the two most modern variants) and 452 THAAD missiles in its arsenal. Under current delivery plans for this fiscal year, the Pentagon receives roughly 15 new Tomahawks and 20 new Patriots per month. CSIS estimates that it would take three or more years to replenish THAAD stocks to pre-war levels.
Stocks of other key missiles have also been significantly reduced. CNN reported in April 2026 that the U.S. military had expended nearly 30 percent of its Tomahawks in the early stages of the war, and one source now says that close to half of those missiles have been used over the course of the entire conflict. The military has also expended "nearly all" of its long-range precision ground-to-ground missiles, known as ATACMS and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM).
Gulf countries have expressed additional concern about how the shortage of air defense systems could affect their ability to defend against potential Iranian retaliation, especially if President Donald Trump decides to escalate the conflict. Several officials confirmed that several of these countries, which rely on U.S. systems, acknowledge that the shortage could hinder their own ability to intercept Iranian missiles and drone attacks.
The issue of stockpiles was highlighted again ahead of Trump's decision last weekend to cancel new strikes on Iran. This is at least the second time in recent weeks that his top military advisers have expressed concrete concerns about the dwindling number of key U.S. munitions during discussions about escalating the conflict. Last Friday, Trump planned massive strikes, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was given the final "green light." However, on Saturday, Trump backed down after conversations with Middle Eastern allies, who told him they feared Iranian retaliation, especially attacks on their energy infrastructure.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, also raised the issue of stockpiles at a White House meeting late last month while military options for escalating the conflict were being considered.
Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell, in a statement to CNN, emphasized that the U.S. military is "the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to act at the time and place of the President's choosing." He added: "We have conducted multiple successful operations in combatant commands, ensuring that the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests."
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told CNN that the U.S. military "has more than enough ammunition, munitions, and supplies for all of President Trump's strategic objectives and more." She added: "Operation 'Epic Fury' demonstrated what happens when you mess with the United States. Nevertheless, the President has called on our defense contractors to continuously produce more American-made weapons, which are the best in the world."
One source familiar with concerns about stockpiles warned of the potential consequences of the missile shortage. "A shortage of interceptor missiles means that conventional attacks can have a counterproductive effect if suicide drones start getting through in mass. 'Tit-for-tat' will never end this," the source told CNN. Experts also warn that the shortage could affect the U.S. military's ability to wage a potential future war with China, Russia, or even North Korea.
The Department of Defense has accelerated efforts to expand interceptor production in recent months, including two contracts signed this week to increase production of rocket motors for Patriot and THAAD. A spokesperson, however, did not respond to questions about when the expansion will yield results. Analysts say that fully replenishing U.S. stocks of high-quality munitions, such as Patriot missiles, could take years. According to a CSIS analysis, stocks of Precision Strike Missile and JASSM missiles will recover more quickly and should reach pre-war levels by mid- to late 2027.
