US Patriot missile interceptor stocks in Europe have dropped to 'beyond critical' levels, officials tell the AP, largely due to the Iran war
A U.S. defense official and a NATO official tell the Associated Press that Patriot missile interceptor stocks in Europe have fallen to beyond critical levels because of the war with Iran, though named NATO and Pentagon spokespeople dispute that characterization.
A U.S. defense official and a NATO official, both speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, say Patriot missile interceptor stocks in Europe have fallen to beyond critical levels, largely because of President Trump's war with Iran. The Iran war has used up 65% of U.S. Patriot interceptors, about 1,500 of the nation's 2,330, according to CSIS. NATO spokesperson Col. Martin O'Donnell and Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell dispute the characterization on the record, saying claims of a shortage are false and that NATO can still 'block punches.' Europe's first Patriot production plant is expected to open in Germany in September, with deliveries possibly starting early next year. European and NATO officials say Russia could be positioned to attack the alliance by 2030, by which point Patriot stockpiles are projected to recover. Sources: AP (via PBS NewsHour), Washington Times, South China Morning Post.