The United States wasted about a quarter of its supply of high-end THAAD missile interceptors during Israel's 12-day war with Iran in June, sources told CNN. U.S. forces countered Tehran's barrage of ballistic missiles by shooting down more than 100 THAAD systems and possibly as many as 150 - a significant portion of America's stockpile of the advanced air defense system, the sources said. The U.S. has seven THAAD systems and deployed two of them on Israel in the conflict.
The deployment of so many THAAD interceptors in such a short period exposed a gap in the US missile defense network and depleted a costly asset at a time when American public support for Israeli defense has reached historic lows.
Former defense officials and US missile experts told CNN that the rapid withdrawal has also raised concerns about America's global security posture and ability to quickly replenish supplies.
Last year, the US produced just 11 new THAAD interceptors and is expected to receive just 12 more this fiscal year, according to 2026 budget estimates from the Department of Defense.
In response to questions about the US THAAD system stockpiles and interceptor spending during the 12-day conflict, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson said the US military "is the strongest it has ever been and has everything it needs to carry out any mission anywhere, anytime, anywhere in the world. If you need further proof, look no further than Operation Midnight Hammer and the total destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities."
A defense official declined to provide information on the THAAD system's inventory due to operational security concerns, but said the Defense Department "remains ready to respond to any threat."
Despite heavy use of THAAD systems during the 12-day war to help defend against Tehran's attack last month, dozens of Iranian missiles hit Israel.
The US plans to buy 37 THAAD interceptors next year, according to the Defense Department’s 2026 budget estimates, funded in part by the latest addition to President Donald Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful bill.” A defense official said the 2026 budget “prioritizes funding for the defense industrial base, a critical strategic asset that provides and sustains our military’s technology, equipment and supplies.” (A2 Televizion)
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