US Used Upto 20% THAAD Missiles Worth $ 1 Bn In 11 Day Israel-Iran Conflict
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A major concern is that the US produces only around 50–60 THAAD interceptors each year, meaning it would take roughly a full year to replenish the number used in just 11 days.
The United States used approximately 15-20 per cent of its global stock of THAAD missiles during Israel's conflict with Iran that lasted 11 days, reported Military Watch Magazine.
The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system is designed to shoot down medium- and long-range ballistic missiles before they reach their targets.
According to the report, about 60 to 80 THAAD interceptors were reportedly launched to defend Israeli airspace during the conflict between June 13 and 24. The cost of each launch was estimated between USD 12 and USD 15 million, and it may have cost America nearly USD 1 billion in total.
Despite being used alongside other powerful Israeli systems like Arrow and Barak 8, plus support from nearby US Navy ships, a large number of expensive THAAD missiles were fired in a short time.
What becomes a concern is that the United States manufactures only 50-60 THAAD interceptors annually, meaning that it would take the country a year to produce what it lost in just 11 days.
Another concern is that if future conflicts involve more advanced missiles or last longer, THAAD might struggle to keep up. This raises serious questions about whether the system is sustainable or cost-effective in the long run.
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