War in Iran nearly leaves countries in Persian Gulf without Patriot missiles — Bloomberg
Photo: Patriot air defense system (Getty Images)
Countries of the Persian Gulf, during the operation by the United States and Israel in Iran, have nearly exhausted their stockpiles of missiles for Patriot air defense systems, according to Bloomberg.
It concerns at least 2,400 missiles of the PAC-3 and GEM-T types used out of approximately 2,800 that were in service before the start of the war.
The agency notes that a significant portion of the arsenal was used over a short period, highlighting the intensity of missile attacks and the strain on air defense systems.
According to official data from countries in the Persian Gulf region, since the start of the war, Iran has launched nearly 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed kamikaze drones at them.
"Without active US support, most countries would have nothing left with which to defend themselves against Iranian missiles," said Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center.
Alternative solutions amid 'melting' missile stockpiles
Due to the depletion of expensive missile stocks, countries in the region are increasingly turning to alternative solutions. In particular, these include cheaper munitions such as JDAM.
The situation is further complicated by the limited production rate of interceptors — Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of PAC-3 missiles, produces about 650 units per year.
Within four weeks since the start of the war against Iran, the US has already launched more than 850 Tomahawks. Some Pentagon officials are concerned about the speed at which high-precision weapon stockpiles are being depleted.
In addition, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Iran’s missile program, including its short-range missiles, as well as Tehran’s use of these weapons against its neighbors in the Persian Gulf over the past month.
He also emphasized that Iran must stop producing "the drones and missiles we have seen recently."
