As reported by Bloomberg agency, since February 28, i.e. the beginning of military operations, the countries of the region have already fired about 2,400 interceptor missiles, which constitutes almost the entirety of their pre-war stocks, amounting to about 2.8 thousand. pieces. As Bloomberg emphasizes, these data are based on publicly available information and expert opinions.
The attacks on Iran initiated by Israel and the United States were met with Tehran's response in the form of strikes using ballistic missiles and drones. ANDAccording to estimates, he has used about 1.2 thousand wounds so far. ballistic missiles and over 4,000 Shahed or similar drones. In response, the Persian Gulf countries and their allies had to resort to advanced missile defense systems such as THAAD and Patriotwhose resources are, however, limited.
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“Without U.S. support, most countries would be left without the ability to defend themselves against Iranian missiles,” noted Kelly Grieco, an expert from the American think tank Stimson Center.
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Problems with bullet production
Limited supplies of interceptor missiles include the effect of the relatively small scale of their production. According to Lockheed Martin, annual production is currently 96 missiles for THAAD systems and 650 for Patriot PAC-3 systems. However, in January, an agreement was signed which stipulates: increasing the production of PAC-3 missiles to approximately 2,000 pieces per year by 2030
Global challenges for US allies
The shortage of interceptors is a problem that extends beyond the Persian Gulf region. It also affects other US allies such as Ukraine, which is struggling with Russian missile attacks. Limited resources of this type of weapons may affect the defense capabilities of countries dependent on American military support.
The current crisis in the Persian Gulf shows how important are the production capabilities and supply of modern defense systemsespecially in the context of growing geopolitical tensions.
