US Missile Defenses Strained After Massive Iran-Israel Barrage—Stockpiles Dangerously Low

A recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel exposed significant vulnerabilities in US and allied missile defense capabilities.

The US deployed two of its seven THAAD systems to Israel, using up 14% of its global stockpile of high-end interceptors to help repel over 570 Iranian missiles. Despite these efforts, some missiles still penetrated defenses, raising concerns about the ability to withstand future saturation attacks. Experts warn that replenishing these expensive interceptors could take years, leaving both the US and Israel temporarily exposed.

The episode also highlighted Israel's heavy reliance on US military support and the strategic leverage this provides Washington.