The US used up around a quarter of its advanced THAAD interceptor missile supply during last month's war between Israel and Iran, two sources familiar with the matter told CNN on Monday.
According to the report, US forces responded to Iran's missile barrages by launching over 100, and possibly as many as 150, THAAD missiles, a significant portion of the US missile defense arsenal, the sources said. The US currently operates just seven THAAD batteries, two of which were deployed during Operation Rising Lion.
Former US defense officials and missile experts told CNN the rapid depletion of stockpiles raised concerns about Washington's global readiness and its ability to quickly replenish supplies, especially at a time when public support in the US for defending Israel has reached a historic low.
Last year, the US produced only 11 new THAAD interceptors, and the Pentagon is expected to manufacture just 12 more in the current fiscal year, according to the 2026 defense budget estimates.
Responding to CNN's inquiry, 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, across the globe." He added, "If you need further proof, look no further than Operation Midnight Hammer and the complete destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities."
Another defense official declined to disclose the exact number of remaining THAAD missiles, citing operational and security concerns, but said the Defense Department "remains prepared to respond to any threat."
