NYT: US has fewer than 1,700 Patriot interceptor missiles left

The war with Iran has depleted US weapons stocks, leaving Washington with fewer than 1,700 Patriot air defense interceptor missiles, The New York Times (NYT) reports, citing two anonymous sources.

According to the newspaper, the United States could need more than two years to replenish the more than 1,500 missiles expended during the confrontation with Tehran.

The US still has a vast stockpile of less sophisticated munitions, including more than 100,000 precision-guided bombs dropped from aircraft. However, the problem with many of these weapons is that they must be released relatively close to their targets, increasing the risk of fighter jets being shot down.

The depletion of US weapons stocks has far-reaching consequences. In Asia, some US officials fear that South Korea and Japan could question Washington’s ability to protect them through non-nuclear defense and become more inclined to develop their own nuclear weapons, the report said.

According to the report, US allies in Europe are already considering increasing weapons purchases from other countries. Officials believe that Russia and China understand the situation and recognize that replenishing US stocks will take time. In this regard, they have an interest in a prolonged conflict between Washington and Tehran.

By Jeyhun Aghazada