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2d ago

US THAAD Interceptor Stockpile to Take Years to Replenish After Israel War

Pentagon leaders warn current THAAD production rates will delay restocking for years, triggering urgent plans for accelerated manufacturing.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men inspect the damage at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, on June 16, 2025. Iran unleashed a barrage of missile strikes on Israeli cities after Israel struck military targets deep inside Iran.
US Air Force aerial porters load Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) support equipment being sent to Israel onto a C-17 Globemaster III on Oct. 16, 2024.
US Army soldiers demonstrate how they prepare the THAAD missile defense system at Fort Bliss, Texas, on Sept. 20, 2023.
Israeli air defence systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv early on June 18, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on June 17, the fifth day of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East.

Overview

  • US military used a quarter of its THAAD interceptors in June’s conflict with Iran by firing over 100 missiles.
  • The US produced 11 THAAD interceptors in 2024, expects 12 this fiscal year, and plans to acquire 37 more in 2026.
  • Officials estimate that at current production rates it will take three to eight years to rebuild THAAD stocks.
  • Former defense officials warn the depletion exposes gaps in the US missile defense network and weakens deterrence against China.
  • The Department of Defense is seeking to accelerate interceptor manufacturing and enlarge munitions reserves to prevent future supply shortfalls.