❗️US reportedly used over half its THAAD interceptor stockpile defending Israel during war on Iran

The Washington Post reported on 21 May, citing Pentagon assessments and US officials, that the United States fired more than 200 THAAD interceptors, roughly half of its total inventory, to defend Israel during the war on Iran.

The report added that US forces also launched more than 100 SM-3 and SM-6 naval interceptors from warships in the eastern Mediterranean.

According to the report, Israel used far fewer high-end interceptors, firing fewer than 100 Arrow interceptors and around 90 David’s Sling interceptors, while relying on the US to absorb most of the ballistic missile defense burden during what officials referred to as “Operation Epic Fury.”

One US administration official told the paper that the US “shot around 120 more interceptors and engaged twice as many Iranian missiles” as Israel did.

The report said the heavy expenditure has raised concerns inside the Pentagon and among US allies in Asia over depleted interceptor stockpiles and broader military readiness.

Kelly Grieco of the Stimson Center told the paper the US is now left with roughly 200 THAAD interceptors while production “can’t keep pace with demand,” warning that shortages could impact theaters unrelated to Iran, including deterrence against China and North Korea.

Israel has reportedly taken some missile defense batteries offline for maintenance, according to US officials cited by The Washington Post, a move that could force Washington to expend an even greater share of its interceptor inventory if the war on Iran resumes.

Another US official told the paper that “Israel is not capable of fighting and winning wars on its own” without extensive US military support.

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