US depletes ~50% Patriot missiles in 7-week Epic Fury strikes
Key Questions
How many Patriot missiles has the US used in recent operations?
CSIS analysis shows the US has depleted nearly half of its Patriot missile stockpile during 7 weeks of Epic Fury strikes amid the Iran war. This usage also halved THAAD interceptors.
What risks does this missile depletion pose to the US military?
The depletion exposes US overstretch, with experts warning of running out of critical missiles. Rebuilding stockpiles will take years.
How does this affect Gulf operations sustainability?
The missile shortages impact the sustainability of US operations in the Gulf. It highlights vulnerabilities in ongoing Iran war defenses.
CSIS analysis: nearly half Patriots used, THAADs halved amid Iran war; exposes overstretch, rebuild years away; impacts Gulf ops sustainability.
Sources (2)
Updated Apr 22, 2026