US Missile Shortage – Denied at UN
American air defense systems in the Middle East have switched to selective interception due to depleted stocks of high-tech interceptor missiles. Command has ordered crews to assess each target's trajectory. The reason is the cost imbalance between Iranian drones ($20-50k) and US interceptors ($1.5-4 million). US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz denied the shortage, blaming the Biden administration. The Senate debates $67 billion for defense.
American air defense systems in the Middle East have been forced to adopt 'selective' interception due to a critical depletion of high-tech interceptor missile stocks. Command has instructed crews to carefully assess the trajectory and threat of each target, launching interceptors only when there is a direct threat to US assets. The main factor is the cost imbalance: Iranian kamikaze drones cost $20-50k, while a single US interceptor launch costs between $1.5 and $4 million. Replenishing the arsenal takes 1.5 to 3-4 years. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz called reports of a shortage 'nonsense' and blamed the previous Biden administration for depleting stocks due to supplies to Ukraine and operations against the Houthis. The Senate is debating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's request for $67 billion to expand production. Democrat Mark Kelly accused the administration of incompetence. Amid a pause in airstrikes, Trump continues diplomatic maneuvers, threatening to resume hostilities.