What is the Patriot missile system and why are supplies depleted worldwide?

The article explains the U.S.-made Patriot mobile air defense system and why interceptor missile supplies are down. It cites Raytheon and Lockheed for system details and notes CSIS estimates about 65% of U.S. interceptors were expended Feb to July, leaving under 850. It says the U.S. approved 5,250 interceptors for Gulf states and awarded Lockheed a contract up to $58.6B.

The U.S. Department of Defense, according to The Washington Post, asked defense contractors to submit within 21 days production and delivery schedules for critical systems, citing depleted stockpiles. CSIS estimates cite heavy early use of missiles and falling Patriot and THAAD inventories. The Pentagon is working with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, including a $58.6B deal to triple PAC-3 output by 2030, pending a stalled $1.15T defense budget.

The Pentagon ordered US defense contractors to submit within 21 days plans to accelerate production of missiles and interceptors amid shortages after the first month of strikes against Iran. It cited depleted Patriot and THAAD inventories and said framework agreements with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman target PAC-3 and THAAD output. Lockheed Martin received a contract up to $58.6B to triple PAC-3 production by 2030.

The Pentagon, via Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg, urged U.S. defense firms to accelerate weapons output, especially ammunition, and asked executives to submit production and delivery plans within 21 days, according to The Washington Post. CSIS data cited Patriot and THAAD stockpiles falling sharply. The article notes talks with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin and a Lockheed contract up to $58.6B to triple PAC-3 output by 2030.

The Pentagon, according to a memo reported by The Washington Post and confirmed by spokesman Sean Parnell, is urging defense contractors to accelerate production of critical munitions within 21 days, citing rapid U.S. missile and interceptor usage in the Iran war. CSIS estimates Patriot and THAAD stocks fell sharply. The memo also ties plans to shaping the fiscal 2028 defense budget.

Reuters reports demand for the U.S. Patriot air defense system has surged in 2024, depleting interceptor missile stocks due to Ukraine’s war with Russia and the widening Middle East conflict. Patriot, built by Raytheon and Lockheed, uses PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors. CSIS estimates 65% of U.S. interceptors were expended Feb-July, leaving under 850. The U.S. approved 5,250 interceptors for Gulf states and awarded Lockheed up to $58.6B to produce missiles.