U.S. military stockpiles of key air defense interceptors and long-range precision missiles have reached dangerously low levels following months of heavy operational demand, senior defense officials warn.

According to military personnel familiar with the inventory levels, the U.S. military has used approximately 80 percent of its critical air defense interceptors—including those for the Patriot and THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) systems. Additionally, stockpiles of long-range surface-to-surface weapons, such as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), have been virtually exhausted.

The rapid drawdown of these specialized munitions stems from ongoing support for foreign allies and sustained military operations in the Middle East, where U.S. forces have routinely intercepted incoming drones and ballistic missiles. Defense experts warn that rebuilding these sophisticated inventories could take years due to supply chain bottlenecks and limited manufacturing capacity.

The diminishing stockpiles have sparked intense debate among military planners and lawmakers over U.S. combat readiness and the nation’s capacity to respond to potential high-intensity conflicts in Europe or the Indo-Pacific region.

In response to growing concerns, White House and Pentagon officials stated that overall military readiness remains high and emphasized that the Department of Defense retains sufficient capabilities to meet all global strategic commitments. Officials also noted that federal investments are actively expanding domestic manufacturing lines to accelerate the production of critical munitions and missile defense systems.