Patriot interceptor supplies shrink as wars drive demand

The Story in Brief

The US Patriot air defence system is facing depleted interceptor stocks as Ukraine seeks protection from Russian missile strikes and fighting in the Middle East consumes missiles in US and Gulf arsenals, Hindustan Times reports. Built by Raytheon Technologies, Patriot is a mobile, long-range system that can intercept aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Its radar can track up to 100 potential targets simultaneously, according to NATO.

The system uses PAC-2 missiles with blast-fragmentation warheads and PAC-3 interceptors that hit targets directly. Hindustan Times cites a CSIS estimate that around 65% of US Patriot interceptors were used between February and July, leaving fewer than 850, compared with 2,330 before the Iran war. A new battery costs over $1 billion, while a PAC-3 missile costs about $4 million to $5 million.