US aware of missile shortage for Middle East air defenses but slow to help
Illustrative photo: Middle Eastern countries face a shortage of air defense missiles (Getty Images)
The US is aware that countries in the Persian Gulf are running low on interceptor missiles for their air defense systems, but so far, Washington has not provided assistance, CBS News reports.
Rumors emerged on March 5 that Gulf countries were dangerously close to exhausting their stockpiles of interceptor missiles. Against this backdrop, they requested the US to speed up deliveries.
In response, American allies were told that a task force is being set up in Washington to arrange new supplies, but according to sources, the process is not moving as quickly as needed.
Commenting on the rumors, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Washington is "very prepared" and plans for such things.
He added that Iran’s missile capabilities have been reduced by 90%, and US ammunition stockpiles "are well beyond" what might be needed.
Hegseth noted that the US could help replenish stocks or transfer some weapons to allies if necessary, while always prioritizing the safety of its own forces, personnel, and bases.
Iran continued launching missiles and drones at Gulf countries on Monday and Tuesday. An overnight strike on a residential building in Bahrain killed a woman, the country’s Interior Ministry reported.
Missile shortage for Patriots
On March 2, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that Qatar is running out of interceptor missiles for its Patriot air defense systems.
According to the report, at the current rate of use, the country has enough missiles for only four more days.
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Gulf countries fired 800 PAC-3 missiles for their Patriots in just three days.
