Patriot

Despite an $82 billion annual military budget, Saudi Arabia struggles to counter cheap Houthi drone attacks due to asymmetric warfare mismatches and structural military flaws.

The US State Department approved $2.27 billion in foreign military sales to Egypt, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, featuring APKWS-II kits and Javelin missiles.

The US military deployed Patriot batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to protect energy infrastructure amid potential renewed military actions involving President Donald Trump and Iran.

The US military expended about 70 interceptors defending Jordan from an Iranian missile barrage, highlighting growing strains on American air defense stockpiles and regional deterrence capabilities.

Security officials warn of NATO countries' vulnerability to a Russian attack. The shortage stems from the conflict with Iran. The fear: NATO will face a situation similar to Ukraine's and will be forced to absorb blows from Russia.

According to the AP news agency, the US Army is facing a critical shortage of advanced missile interceptors in Europe following the fighting in Iran. The shortage raises concerns about the vulnerability of NATO countries in the event of a Russian attack.

A Patriot missile battery was moved from the island of Karpathos to Crete to strengthen air defense around the Souda base. According to "Kathimerini", the move comes days after Iranian threats to attack bases used by the USA in Europe.

Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Ukraine's stockpile of interceptor missiles has dwindled significantly while Russia intensifies ballistic missile strikes. He is urging the USA to sell Kyiv a portion of its Patriot stockpile, stating that 5% would help survive the winter, while 10% would allow for full interception capabilities.

According to the New York Times, fewer than 1,700 Patriot interceptors remain in US stocks, with annual production at only 600 units. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned Donald Trump that extensive strikes on Iran would trigger retaliatory attacks against energy infrastructure in the Gulf states.

The U.S. has used nearly 80% of its THAAD interceptors and about half of its Patriot interceptors in the war with Iran. The shortage has alarmed Gulf states and was among the considerations that led Donald Trump to halt an additional strike over the weekend.

The shortage of ballistic interceptors amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East has ignited a global arms race. Nations are now racing to develop interception systems that match the performance of the Patriot at a fraction of the cost and production time.

Ukrainian company SkyFall has unveiled a drone interceptor to counter Iranian-made UAVs, while the US is purchasing older-generation Patriot missiles due to supply constraints. Meanwhile, Turkey seeks US engines for its indigenous fighter jet.

The US Department of Defense has signed a massive contract with Lockheed Martin to purchase over 10,000 Patriot interceptors. The deal will increase production rates to 2,000 missiles per year and prioritize supplies for US forces and Gulf states.