Here’s why the US didn’t “finish off” Iran — we ran out of air defense missiles
During the war with Iran, the United States was forced to deploy THAAD air defense systems to protect Israel. Among the possible explanations for the rapid end of the war is this: the United States has depleted its reserves of air defense missiles.
Whenever the question arose during the war whether there would be enough air defense capabilities to repel Iranian attacks, the Israeli military said they did not disclose the number of interceptors. Throughout the war, the IDF had "all the necessary means to protect itself." However, it was not specified whether they were referring only to Israeli air defense systems or also to American ones.
Regarding the latter, an article in the WSJ shows an alarming picture. There is a gap between the level of U.S. commitment to its allies and America's logistical and operational capabilities. And it is possible that if the war had lasted just a few more days, it would have meant the total collapse of the air defense. In 12 days, the United States has spent 25 percent of its missile stocks for THAAD, which is 100-150 sets.
THAAD is an air defense system that shoots down missiles outside the atmosphere. It is similar to the Israeli Hetz system. Each THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system can carry 48 interceptor missiles on six launchers and requires about 100 U.S. troops to recharge, analyze data, maintain and fire interceptors around the clock.
According to budget documents, the cost of each THAAD system with ammunition is about $ 13 million. The authorities plan to purchase 37 such kits in the next fiscal year. But last year, the United States produced only 11 new sets of THAAD interceptors and will receive 12 this fiscal year.
According to experts, the replenishment of the fleet of THAAD interceptors used during the 12-day war is likely to take more than a year and cost 1.5–2 billion dollars.
Of the seven active American THAAD systems, two are currently on the front line in Israel. The eighth system has already been manufactured, but is not yet fully operational. Analysts have calculated that the United States will need many more additional interceptors to replenish its arsenal.
#Israel #Iran #USmilitary #THAAD #MiddleEast
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