Patriot interceptors running out as Ukraine and Middle East wars drain global stocks
The Patriot missile defence system is facing growing pressure as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East rapidly deplete interceptor stocks.
The United States is estimated to have used 65% of its Patriot interceptors between February and July, while Saudi Arabia reportedly used 86% of its PAC-3 inventory during 38 days of combat. Ukraine is also urgently seeking more interceptors to counter Russian ballistic missile strikes.
With PAC-3 interceptors costing between $4 million and $5 million each, replenishing global stocks will be expensive. The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion for interceptor production, while Washington has approved sales of 5,250 interceptors to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.
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