US burned through quarter of THAAD interceptors during Israel-Iran war

Each THAAD interceptor costs roughly $12.7 million, according to the 2025 Missile Defense Agency budget.

By Jewish Breaking News

American forces burned through roughly a quarter of the nation’s most advanced missile interceptors during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran last month, exposing critical gaps in US defense manufacturing that could hamper future military operations.

US forces deployed two of the military’s seven Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems in support of Israel, firing more than 100—and potentially as many as 150—interceptors to defend against Iranian ballistic missile barrages, CNN reported Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Iran launched over 500 ballistic missiles during the conflict that ran from June 13-24, with Israeli forces managing to intercept around 86% of incoming missiles.

Despite this success rate, 36 missiles struck populated areas, resulting in widespread damage across Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.

Each THAAD interceptor costs roughly $12.7 million, according to the 2025 Missile Defense Agency budget. The Pentagon produced just 11 interceptors in 2024 and plans to buy 12 more this year—well below the pace needed in wartime.

“The reports about THAAD expenditure are concerning,” a US missile defense expert told CNN. “This is not the sort of thing the US can afford to do repeatedly. THAAD is a very scarce resource.”

Pentagon budget documents for 2026 prioritize “funding in the defense industrial base,” including $1.3 billion for supply chain improvements and $2.5 billion for missile and munitions production.

Defense officials warn that stockpile shortfalls were already a concern before the Israel-Iran war and could undermine deterrence in any future conflict with Tehran.

Lockheed Martin, THAAD’s manufacturer, currently operates nine active batteries worldwide, with seven under US control.

Two systems were moved to the Middle East in recent years, joining others stationed in Texas, Guam, and South Korea. Additional systems have been delivered to the United Arab Emirates, where they’ve engaged Houthi-launched missiles.

Military planners face additional pressure from ongoing support to Ukraine and potential future confrontations in the Pacific, where THAAD and SM-3 interceptors would face even greater demand during any high-end fight with China.