THAAD interceptors
Coverage of THAAD interceptors in the Nexus archive.
- Pentagon pushes defense companies to boost weapons production after concerns of depleted stocks
The Pentagon is pressuring the U.S. defense industry to accelerate weapons production to help replenish diminished stockpiles of munitions, including those depleted during conflict with Iran. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg issued a memo requiring companies to submit plans for significantly faster delivery schedules and increased production capacity. These concerns stem from an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies detailing reduced inventories of interceptors.
- Pentagon pushes defense companies to boost weapons production after concerns of depleted stocks
The Pentagon is urging the U.S. defense industry to accelerate weapon production to replenish diminished munition stockpiles, especially those used during fighting with Iran. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg issued a memo demanding that companies submit plans for aggressive delivery schedules and increased production within 21 days. The article notes that stocks of interceptors like Patriot and THAAD have fallen significantly since the conflict began.
- US supply of long-range missiles, THAAD interceptors nearly exhausted: Reports
The U.S. military’s supply of long-range missiles and THAAD interceptors is nearly exhausted after over five months of airstrikes against Iran, raising concerns about U.S. preparedness for other global conflicts. The Army has expended 'virtually all' of its THAAD interceptors.
- US companies are stepping up to cut reliance on China for critical minerals used in key weapons
US companies like Phoenix Tailings are developing methods to extract critical minerals from mining waste to reduce reliance on China for defense applications. The Pentagon provided a $500 million loan to Phoenix Tailings, which aims to build a 'freedom facility' to process rare-earth elements used in weapons and high-tech industries, though scaling production remains time-intensive.
- Pentagon moves to triple Patriot, quadruple THAAD interceptor production
The Pentagon has signed framework agreements with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin to triple Patriot and quadruple THAAD interceptor production, aiming to replenish strained U.S. missile inventories due to increased demand from conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. The initiative involves direct collaboration with component suppliers to enhance production capacity and supply chain resilience.
- Why Is the U.S. Running So Low on Weapons?
The U.S. has rapidly depleted key weapon stocks, including two-thirds of Patriot missile interceptors and a third of THAAD and Tomahawk cruise missiles, in conflicts with Iran. Replenishment will take years, exacerbated by a shift toward cheaper drones forcing reliance on costly air-defense systems. Bipartisan neglect of the military-industrial base over decades has worsened the crisis.
- Weapons stockpile shortages impacting military strategy in the Mideast
The Pentagon faces declining stockpiles of Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors due to prolonged conflict in the Middle East, prompting concerns about global defense capabilities. A $67 billion emergency funding request includes $18.2 billion for advanced missile replacements, while the Pentagon shifts toward procuring low-cost munitions to address production challenges.
- Iran war depleted US Patriot missile stockpiles, creating readiness challenges, experts say
The U.S. has depleted 65% of its Patriot missile interceptors and 38% of THAAD interceptors during the conflict with Iran, according to a CSIS analysis, raising readiness concerns for future conflicts. The Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin a $58.6 billion contract to produce Patriot missiles through 2032 to rebuild stockpiles.
- US strikes $58.6 billion Patriot missile deal amid rising stockpile concerns
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $58.6 billion contract to produce Patriot interceptor missiles over seven years, addressing strained stockpiles due to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. The deal expands a previous $4.7 billion agreement and aims to triple PAC-3 MSE production capacity by 2030 while increasing jobs at a facility in Arkansas.
- Recent fighting with Iran further draws down key US air defense stockpiles, analysis says
Recent US-Iran conflict has depleted key air defense stockpiles like Patriot and THAAD interceptors, raising risks for American troops. A CSIS analysis warns that reduced inventories may force military forces to take greater risks to conserve defenses, potentially allowing Iranian attacks to succeed. The Pentagon asserts its capabilities remain sufficient despite concerns.
- Recent fighting with Iran further draws down key US air defense stockpiles, analysis says
Recent U.S.-Iran fighting has depleted key U.S. air defense stockpiles, raising risks for American troops if hostilities resume. A CSIS analysis warns that reduced Patriot and THAAD interceptor inventories may force forces to conserve weapons, increasing the chance of Iranian attacks penetrating defenses.
- Recent fighting with Iran further draws down key US air defense stockpiles, analysis says
Recent fighting with Iran has depleted U.S. military stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors like Patriot and THAAD, increasing risks for American troops if hostilities resume, according to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The analysis warns that reduced inventories may lead to more strategic risks in conserving defenses.
- Recent fighting with Iran further draws down key US air defense stockpiles, analysis says
Recent U.S.-Iran clashes have depleted advanced missile interceptor stockpiles, raising concerns about troop safety and operational risks. Analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies highlights potential risks from reduced Patriot and THAAD inventories, while the Pentagon asserts its capabilities remain sufficient.
- Trump to address defense technology gathering as the Iran war has reduced US weapon stocks
President Donald Trump is addressing a defense technology summit in Pennsylvania, organized by Sen. David McCormick, to discuss investments in battlefield technology amid reduced U.S. weapon stocks due to the war in Iran. Attendees include defense officials, corporate leaders, and investors, with companies like ZeroEyes and Gecko Robotics announcing new investments in AI and robotics for defense.
- Behind Lockheed subsidiary’s payments for new White House helipad
President Donald Trump's new White House helipad is being funded by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky, which developed the new Marine One helicopters that cannot land on the South Lawn due to exhaust damage. The Trump administration has sought solutions for the issue, and Lockheed Martin recently secured multiple major defense contracts.
- Trump meets munitions makers amid push to replenish weapons stockpiles
U.S. President Donald Trump met with defense contractors to address depleted military stockpiles, emphasizing increased production of weapons like Patriot and THAAD interceptors. The meeting initially criticized industry progress but shifted to cooperation, with agreements to boost output through companies such as Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp.
- US will need years to replenish stockpiles of advanced weapons used in Iran war, new analysis finds
A new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveals that U.S. military contractors need at least three years to replenish stockpiles of key weapons systems like Tomahawk cruise missiles, Patriot, and THAAD interceptors used in the Iran war. The report highlights a 'window of vulnerability' for potential conflicts in the Western Pacific, particularly with China, despite a historic $1.5 trillion 2027 defense budget proposal by the Trump administration.