CBS News reported on 15/10, citing anonymous officials, that US Army commander Randy George warned in 12/2025 of "alarmingly low" stockpiles of THAAD and Patriot interceptor missiles. This situation is expected to continue until at least 2030.
George's assessment was included in the 2027 Global Force Management Allocation Plan (GFMAP). The GFMAP is an annual document approved by the US Secretary of Defense, outlining the global deployment of troops and equipment.
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THAAD interceptor missiles at a factory in an image released on 24/6. Photo: Lockheed Martin
US officials stated that General George's assessment was based on statistics regarding Patriot system transfers to Ukraine, the volume of weapons fired to defend Israel, and the limited capacity of the US defense industry. However, they declined to provide specific figures for security reasons, and General George did not comment on the matter.
Approximately two months after General George issued his warning, the US and Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Iran. Tehran's series of retaliatory missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks forced Washington and its allies to expend significant air defense munitions in response.
In April, the Pentagon announced that General Randy George would immediately step down and retire. This move was reportedly at the request of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, aiming to replace General George with someone who would realize the vision of Hegseth and President Donald Trump for the army.
US Patriot battery firing to protect Muwaffaq Salti base in a video released on 13/9. Video: X/sentdefender
In a study published in late July, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the US military possessed 2,330 Patriot missiles and 355 THAAD interceptors before the Middle East conflict erupted.
US air defense units launched approximately 1,050-1,430 Patriot missiles and 190-290 THAAD munitions, representing 61% and 82% of pre-conflict stockpiles, respectively. Defense corporations are projected to replenish nearly 500 Patriot missiles for the US military in fiscal year 2026, while no THAAD missiles are expected to be delivered this year.
Previous CSIS estimates indicated that US defense companies would require at least 53 months to complete new THAAD missile orders, while the most advanced PAC-3 Patriot munitions would need about 42 months.
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PAC-3 MSE munitions at a Lockheed Martin factory in an image released on 29/7. Photo: Lockheed Martin
The conflict with Iran is one of the primary causes of the rapid depletion of US interceptor missile stockpiles. However, the current situation also stems from decisions to downsize the defense industry and from military operations that consume weapons faster than companies can produce them.
One US official noted that even without firing additional THAAD or Patriot missiles, the country would require at least 3-4 years to restore its arsenals to 12/2025 levels, which were already considered "alarmingly low."
When asked for comment, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell denied reports of US munition shortages.
"The consequence of media circulating such misinformation is that adversaries will escalate aggression or attack US forces more intensely," he stated. "We still possess everything necessary to launch strikes at the time and place of the US President's choosing."
By Nguyen Tien (Source: CBS News, AP, Reuters)
