DID Press: The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has warned that declining U.S. stocks of Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors could weaken Washington’s military readiness and create serious challenges in a potential future conflict with China.
In a new report, CSIS said U.S. inventories of Patriot interceptors have fallen below 1,000 units, while THAAD interceptor stocks have dropped to around 250. The think tank warned that renewed military operations against Iran could further accelerate ammunition consumption and force the United States and its allies to accept greater risks in missile defense operations.
CSIS said there is currently no effective replacement for Patriot and THAAD systems in ballistic missile defense, adding that reduced interceptor supplies pose a short- and medium-term challenge to U.S. preparedness amid growing strategic competition with China.
The report noted that the U.S. administration’s request for a $95 billion ammunition budget for fiscal year 2027, along with an additional $21 billion in wartime supplemental funding, reflects the urgency of rebuilding missile defense capacity.
According to CSIS, new THAAD deliveries during the ceasefire period have exceeded estimated consumption levels, and current stocks have improved compared with April. However, analysts said the high rate of interceptor use remains a major concern for U.S. defense planners.