US Patriot missile stocks depleted by two-thirds amid Middle East conflict, think tank estimates

The United States may have expended two-thirds of its Patriot missile inventory in the nearly six months of conflict with Iran, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The think tank estimates that the U.S. now possesses only 759 to 827 Patriot missiles, a significant reduction from pre-conflict levels.

Similarly, the U.S. THAAD system interceptor missiles have seen a sharp decline, dropping from 452 before the conflict to an estimated 234 to 278. This rapid depletion of missile stockpiles could hinder the U.S. and its allies' ability to counter aerial threats if the conflict in the Middle East continues.

U.S. officials have refuted claims of insufficient stockpiles, with U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stating that the military has all necessary resources. However, CSIS based its estimates on Pentagon budget data for fiscal year 2027 and publicly available information, not official figures.

The situation is further underscored by Raytheon's announcement of its first order for Patriot II missiles in over 30 years, suggesting that concerns about U.S. ammunition levels are not unfounded. To address the depletion, the U.S. Army has expanded a one-year contract with Lockheed Martin into a seven-year, $58 billion deal for long-term production, aiming to establish a stable production line and increase manufacturing capacity for Patriot missiles.

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The U.S. still has everything it needs to execute operations effectively.