Pentagon’s $3.5B Missile Crisis: Why Iran’s Attack on Israel Drained U.S. Defenses
The Pentagon is requesting $3.5 billion to restock missile defense systems depleted during Iran’s recent 12-day missile assault on Israel, highlighting the costs and strategic importance of U.S. military support. The funding will primarily support RTX Corp. and Lockheed Martin in producing advanced interceptors to bolster defenses against future threats.
The U.S. Department of Defense is seeking $3.5 billion to replenish its missile defense arsenal following a significant depletion during Iran’s recent 12-day attack on Israel. From June 13–24, Iran launched over 500 ballistic missiles in retaliation for strikes on its nuclear facilities. U.S. Navy ships and Army units, alongside Israeli forces, achieved an 86% interception rate, but 36 missiles still hit Israeli population centers, causing extensive damage and loss of life. The intense defensive operations exhausted U.S. stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, prompting urgent budget requests to Congress.
Budget documents submitted to congressional defense committees on Monday outline that U.S. forces intercepted over 290 Iranian missiles and drones during the coordinated attacks. The largest portion of the funding, approximately $1 billion, is allocated to RTX Corp. for producing Standard Missile interceptors, particularly the advanced SM-3 IB Threat Upgrade, costing between $9 million and $12 million each. Lockheed Martin is set to receive $204 million for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors, priced at about $12.7 million per unit. An additional $9.2 million will address deferred maintenance on THAAD’s TPY-2 radar system. With only 11 THAAD interceptors remaining, the Pentagon plans to acquire 12 more this year.
The $3.5 billion request is distinct from $4.2 billion in weapons and equipment sent to Israel between October 2023 and May 2024. Pentagon officials described the funding as essential to cover costs incurred by U.S. Central Command during “responses to the situation in Israel” and operations “executed at the request of or in coordination with Israel for the defense of Israeli territory, personnel or assets during attacks by Iran” or its proxies. Lockheed Martin operates nine THAAD batteries globally, with seven under U.S. command, two recently deployed to the Middle East, and others in Guam and South Korea. The United Arab Emirates also uses THAAD, notably against Houthi missile attacks targeting U.S.-Israeli shipping in the Red Sea. This replenishment effort underscores the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining robust missile defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions.