US Used 50 Patriot Interceptors in Single Day During Iran Attack, Costing $200M
The U.S. reportedly fired roughly 50 Patriot interceptors in one day during last month's Iranian missile attacks on bases in Jordan, totaling approximately $200 million. Iran used course-changing missiles to force heavy expenditure and drain scarce interceptor stocks.
During last month's Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan, American forces reportedly launched approximately 50 Patriot air-defense interceptors in a single day, according to the New York Times. At an estimated $4 million per round, the one-day cost reached roughly $200 million.
Iran employed missiles with the ability to change course in flight. Such maneuverable weapons force the defender to expend larger quantities of interceptors per threat, rapidly driving up costs and depleting limited Patriot inventory.
The high expenditure highlights the economic strain that extended missile-defense engagements can place on military budgets, even in the absence of a wider conflict. U.S. and allied stocks of advanced interceptors are known to be stretched by ongoing commitments in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Source: First Squawk