A Pentagon assessment reported by The Washington Post reveals the U.S. has depleted nearly half of its advanced missile defense interceptor stockpile while defending Israel against Iran.
U.S. forces launched more than 200 THAAD interceptors during the operations. Naval forces fired over 100 SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors. Israel utilized fewer than 100 Arrow missiles.
The lopsided expenditure raises global security concerns, particularly regarding military readiness in East Asia.
The resulting shortage will likely trigger a multi-year, multi-billion dollar replenishment cycle. This provides a substantial long-term demand catalyst for primary defense contractors Lockheed Martin and RTX.