Is This the Best Use of American Missiles?

"The United States, Israel, and their Gulf allies are using up scarce and costly munitions at an astounding rate. These losses can't be replenished nearly quickly enough to avoid possible global repercussions, as far more formidable adversaries than Iran-Russia and China-assess the war-fighting capacity that America holds in reserve."

"Each THAAD missile costs more than $12.8 million, and American defense contractors produce only 96 a year. The Trump administration has allocated funds to increase their production to 400 a year, but this could take up to seven years."

"If they conclude that the West has burned through too many interceptors to defend itself, Russia might pursue aggressive action against NATO, or China could move against Taiwan."

The American air campaign against Iran demonstrates tactical and operational success, striking 1,700 targets with minimal casualties. However, this campaign creates strategic vulnerabilities by rapidly depleting scarce and expensive munitions, particularly interceptor missiles. The U.S., Israel, and Gulf allies are consuming defensive weapons at unsustainable rates. This depletion raises concerns that adversaries like Russia and China may perceive weakened Western defense capacity, potentially prompting aggressive actions against NATO or Taiwan. Two critical missile types face shortages: interceptors like Patriot and THAAD missiles for defense, and offensive weapons like Tomahawk cruise missiles. THAAD missiles, costing over $12.8 million each with only 96 produced annually, face particular supply constraints despite planned production increases.

Read at The Atlantic