US Claims Gap in Anti-Missile Defense

US Media Reports Shortage of Missiles for THAAD Systems

, and Administrator

2025 December 20 . 2:17 PM

1 min read

In this picture, we see the missiles. At the bottom, we see the boards in white color. In the left... — In this picture, we see the missiles. At the bottom, we see the boards in white color. In the left bottom, we see a poster in red and grey color is pasted on the board. We see some text printed on the poster. At the top, it looks like the roof and it is in white color.

US Claims Gap in Anti-Missile Defense

The U.S. is currently dealing with a shortage of interceptor missiles for its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems. A delay in deliveries has left the Missile Defense Agency with fewer missiles than expected, raising concerns about defence readiness.

The problem stems from interceptors bought as far back as 2021 but not yet delivered. According to a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Pentagon is missing nearly 100 missiles from purchases made between 2021 and 2024. These interceptors are now not expected to arrive until April 2027.

The shortage has been worsened by the heavy use of THAAD systems during the recent Israel-Iran conflict. While the exact number of interceptors in the U.S. arsenal remains classified, the delay has created a temporary gap in missile defence capabilities. The Missile Defense Agency, overseen by the U.S. Department of Defense, is responsible for procuring and delivering these critical interceptors. However, the current backlog has left the agency struggling to meet operational needs.

The delay in receiving interceptors means the U.S. will face a reduced missile defence capacity for the next few years. With deliveries not expected until 2027, the Pentagon must now manage its existing stockpile carefully. The situation highlights the strain on defence resources following recent conflicts.