U.S. Media: U.S. "Patriot" Missile Stockpile Below 1,700 Units
On August 8, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington (reporters Huang Qiang and Xiong Maoling) that, according to sources cited by the New York Times, the United States has consumed a large number of "Patriot" air defense system interceptors in its conflict with Iran, and currently, the U.S. stockpile of this type of missile has fallen below 1,700 units.
The report stated that the U.S. military has used over 1,500 "Patriot" missiles in the conflict, and although the Trump administration has collaborated with U.S. defense contractors to accelerate and expand production, it will still take more than two years to replenish this quantity of missiles.
The report also mentioned that in the conflict with Iran, the U.S. military has essentially exhausted certain types of long-range missile stockpiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile System and precision strike missiles.
On the 6th, U.S. President Trump acknowledged at the White House that although the overall ammunition stockpile in the U.S. is sufficient, the supply of "certain types of ammunition" is "relatively tight." He also stated that U.S. defense companies are building production facilities for weapons such as "Patriot" missiles and "Tomahawk" missiles.
On the 4th of this month, CNN reported, citing multiple sources, that since the conflict with Iran began, the U.S. military has consumed nearly four-fifths of its "THAAD" missile defense system stockpile and about half of its "Patriot" air defense system interceptors. The "Tomahawk" cruise missiles used for long-range strikes have also consumed nearly half, leading to a severe shortage of missile stockpiles.
The U.S. Armed Forces have consumed over 1500 Patriot missiles in the conflict with Iran, leaving less than 1700 in stock as of August 8, 2023. The military is facing significant shortages in various missile types, including long-range systems. President Trump confirmed that while overall ammunition stocks are sufficient, certain types are in relative short supply, prompting accelerated production efforts.
- U.S. has less than 1700 Patriot missiles remaining in stock.
- Over 1500 Patriot missiles have been consumed in the conflict with Iran.
- Certain types of long-range missile stocks have been nearly depleted.
- Production of Patriot missiles is being accelerated but will take over two years to replenish.
- U.S. President acknowledged a relative shortage of certain types of ammunition.