Iran copies Russia's tactics, aims to deplete U.S. missile stocks

Iran appears to have adopted new attack tactics, drawing inspiration from Russia's playbook by combining ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones to overwhelm air defenses. This strategic adaptation comes as the United States faces diminishing supplies of interceptor missiles.

The Iranian military has rapidly learned how to circumvent U.S. and allied air defenses since the conflict began in February. A key tactic involves launching a barrage of missiles and drones, forcing adversaries to expend their limited interceptor munitions before a more significant strike. This approach was evident in July when Iran launched multiple drones and missiles over several days toward U.S. forces in Jordan.

This strategy proved effective on July 17, when a ballistic missile successfully hit an airbase in Jordan, killing three U.S. soldiers and injuring over a hundred. Pentagon officials confirmed to The New York Times that several aircraft were also damaged during the multi-day assault. Seth G. Jones of the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that Iran's combined use of missiles and drones complicates air defense efforts.

The U.S. has consumed a significant portion of its missile arsenal during the conflict, reportedly using over 1,500 Patriot missiles, with fewer than 1,700 remaining. Despite official assurances that missile stocks are not depleting rapidly, concerns persist within the U.S. about potential shortages, particularly if the conflict in the Middle East escalates.

“

Iran complicates air defense when it uses both missiles and drones.