Story perspectives

U.S. Uses 65% Patriot, 38% THAAD — Expands Production

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States depleted its missile and interceptor stockpiles during the five-month Iran war, using most ATACMS, Precision Strike Missiles, Patriot and THAAD.
CSIS estimated the U.S. expended 65 % of its Patriot and at least 38 % of its THAAD interceptors between February and July.
Senior defense leaders plan to triple Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile production and quadruple THAAD output, saying the shortfall could erode deterrence toward Iran, China and Russia.

History

Historical Context

In the 1991 Gulf War the United States deployed Patriot batteries to defend Saudi Arabia, marking the system’s first combat use despite disputed success. Decades later the Patriot has been repeatedly drained—by mid-2024 the U.S. had spent more than half its Patriot interceptors and about 80 % of its THAAD missiles in the Iran-Israel clash—prompting a record $58.6 billion Lockheed Martin contract in July 2026 to expand production.

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Story summary

The United States depleted its missile and interceptor stockpiles during the five-month Iran war, using most ATACMS, Precision Strike Missiles, Patriot and THAAD.
CSIS estimated the U.S. expended 65 % of its Patriot and at least 38 % of its THAAD interceptors between February and July.
Senior defense leaders plan to triple Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile production and quadruple THAAD output, saying the shortfall could erode deterrence toward Iran, China and Russia.

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