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The US used nearly a quarter of its most advanced missile interceptors against Iran
American forces fired more than 150 THAAD interceptors at Iranian missiles and drones during the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran.
Nicholas Slayton
Jul 28, 2025 7:30 AM EDT
The U.S. Army burned through nearly a quarter of its stockpile of interceptors for its Terminal High Altitude Aerial Defense systems during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran. The heavy use of expensive munitions highlighted the high cost of air defense in recent battles.
The June conflict, where Iran and Israel traded large-scale missile barrages and airstrikes, saw the United States intervene to support air defense efforts on the side of Israel. During the 12-day conflict, the United States military expended more than 150 THAAD interceptors, according to the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper reported last week on the missile expenditures, citing defense officials familiar with the situation. The interceptors, fired from the THAAD system, are among the U.S. military’s most advanced ballistic missile counters. Per the Wall Street Journal, the military also fired multiple interceptors from Navy ships, including 80 SM-3s. The report highlighted the limited number of these costly munitions and how quickly they can be expended in a large-scale conflict.
The United States currently operates seven THAAD systems. Each system is operated by the U.S. Army although they fall under the purview of the Missile Defense Agency. The Missile Defense Agency notes that the military has budgeted for, although not acquired all of, 646 THAAD interceptors.
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