US military used over half of THAAD missiles defending ‘Israel’ from Iran: report
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The United States military has expended more than half of its inventory of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors while supporting ‘Israel's’ defense against Iranian missile attacks during ongoing hostilities, according to a report published by The Washington Post.
Pentagon assessments indicate that American forces launched more than 200 THAAD interceptors in this role, surpassing the number utilized by ‘Israeli’ defense systems themselves.
This significant depletion highlights the intensive demands placed on US missile defense assets.
THAAD systems, designed for high-altitude interception of ballistic missiles, played a critical role in layered defenses protecting ‘Israeli’ territory.
Earlier conflicts, including ‘Israel's’ 12-day war with Iran in June 2025, had already strained stocks. Reports from that period indicated US forces expended approximately 150 THAAD interceptors—roughly one-quarter of the pre-conflict inventory—while deploying two batteries to ‘Israel’.
Production rates, historically limited to around 100 units annually before recent expansion efforts, lag far behind consumption in high-intensity scenarios.
Defense analysts note that THAAD interceptors, each costing millions of dollars, represent a high-value capability with constrained global availability.
The US operates a limited number of THAAD batteries, typically configured with 48 interceptors each.
This development raises concerns about US readiness for potential simultaneous threats in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific.
Replenishment timelines could extend several years despite initiatives to increase production capacity to hundreds of units annually.
Damage to associated radars and systems during Iranian strikes has compounded logistical challenges.
Officials emphasize that US support has been essential in bolstering ‘Israel's’ defenses, where interceptor stocks also faced pressure.
The asymmetry in usage— with American systems bearing a heavier load—reflects coordinated allied strategy but exposes vulnerabilities in sustained high-volume missile defense operations.
