Iranian attacks have nearly depleted air defence missile stocks in Gulf states

Intensive Iranian missile and drone strikes have almost completely depleted air defence interceptor missile stocks in the Gulf states.

Source: Bloomberg

Details: According to Bloomberg, Iran has launched nearly 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed-type drones against Gulf countries since 28 February. Missile defence doctrine requires two interceptors to be fired against each target.

The vast majority of munitions used were Patriot PAC-3 and GEM-T missiles. Before the war, Gulf states had fewer than 2,800 of these, according to US arms sales approvals, as well as estimates from three experts and a person familiar with the matter.

"Without active US support, most countries would have nothing left with which to defend themselves against Iranian missiles," said Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center.

The US Department of Defense said it has all the munitions needed to carry out its mission. FMS documents show how many missiles were ordered or approved, but fewer may have actually been delivered.

According to a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, the United States has also launched hundreds of Tomahawk missiles worth US$2 million each, as well as more than 1,000 JASSM missiles valued at US$1.5 million each.

Quote: "There were about 4,000 Tomahawks in US stockpiles before the war, and RTX Corp. produces about 100 each year; Lockheed can build at most about 860 JASSMs this year, according to government documents. Both missiles are designed to fly long distances, penetrate air defences and hit small targets."

Details: Former Royal Australian Air Force officer Peter Layton believes that allowing stocks of high-tech weapons to be depleted may indicate that the US does not expect a war with China or is counting on a quick victory.

"It is interesting strategically in that it suggests the Trump administration sees Iran as the most important issue and is willing to bet the farm on destroying it," Layton said.

Meanwhile, the depletion of munitions has raised concerns among US allies worldwide. According to The Washington Post, the Pentagon is considering redirecting weapons intended for Ukraine to the Gulf region, including interceptor missiles.

Defence officials in Germany and France are already noting signs of strain in the supply of certain types of weaponry. Experts point out that, despite short-term tactical success, the high rate of use of Patriot missiles and other interceptors could lead to strategic weakness in the US military in the medium term.

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