DID Press: Gulf Arab states are facing a growing strain on their missile-defense capabilities, with Saudi Arabia reportedly having used most of its Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles during the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to Rai al-Youm, citing the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Saudi Arabia has reportedly used about 86 percent of its estimated stockpile of 2,800 PAC-3 Patriot interceptors. According to the report, the kingdom launched roughly 2,400 interceptors during the first 38 days of the war, leaving about 400 missiles by April.
CSIS has warned that interceptor stocks across Gulf states have declined sharply. The report also said that U.S. stocks of Patriot interceptors have come under significant pressure because of extensive use during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The depletion of missile-defense stocks could create growing challenges for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries seeking to maintain protection against continued missile and drone attacks, while also placing additional pressure on Washington to replenish regional interceptor supplies.