US Defense Munitions Claims and THAAD Missile Cost Highlighted

President Donald J. Trump rejected media reports that the United States was running low on critical munitions for operations against Iran, asserting that the military has "far more munitions than anyone in the world." Earlier reporting had noted that between 1,200 and 1,500 Patriot interceptors, each costing over $4 million, had been expended since February 2026, and that full replenishment of key interceptors and Tomahawk missiles could take one to four years. The pause in a larger bombing campaign was described as creating a diplomatic window for talks on the Strait of Hormuz.

Separate analysis detailed the cost of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, estimating each interceptor at $12‑$15 million, with a FY 2025 flyaway unit cost of $12.773 million. A complete THAAD battery—including launchers, radar and support infrastructure—ranges from $1 billion to $2.5 billion. Heavy use of THAAD during the 2025‑2026 Iran conflicts has strained U.S. stocks, prompting large procurement contracts with Gulf partners such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.