The Pentagon has ordered U.S. arms manufacturers to submit plans within 21 days for dramatically faster deliveries, as the war with Iran severely depletes critical interceptor stocks, according to a report. Independent estimates cited in the report show Patriot interceptor inventories have fallen by at least 65% from prewar levels, while THAAD stocks are down at least 38%.
The Pentagon has disclosed that Patriot interceptor inventories have fallen by at least 65% and THAAD stocks by at least 38% from prewar levels, according to a report published Sunday. The new figures, which underscore the material strain of the ongoing conflict with Iran, come as the Pentagon has ordered U.S. defense manufacturers to submit plans within 21 days for dramatically faster deliveries.
The depletion numbers align with earlier reporting. The Zioneer reported earlier Sunday (00:56 Jerusalem) that the Pentagon had issued an emergency directive citing an "extreme shortage" of critical munitions, and that Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg had set a 21-day ultimatum for defense contractors. The Washington Post reported in July, citing a U.S. official, that months of operations against Iran had depleted Patriot and THAAD interceptor stocks along with long-range precision munitions. The new report provides specific percentage declines, confirming that interceptor reserves have been severely drawn down.
The Pentagon's latest directive signals that the situation has not improved and that the administration is seeking to accelerate production to replenish reserves. However, the timeline for actual production increases remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether U.S. defense contractors can meet the accelerated pace given existing supply chain constraints and the need for congressional approval of a $1.15 trillion defense budget bill.
8 developments
- DevelopingWashington Post: months of fighting Iran depleted US Patriot and THAAD interceptor stocks, official says
- DevelopingFox News: Pentagon interceptor stocks declining, weighing future of limited Iran strikes
- DevelopingUS facing dwindling Patriot and THAAD missile stockpiles, report says
- StrongPentagon pushes to accelerate weapons production as Iran war depletes munitions, report says
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