In Focus by The Hindu Is the U.S. running out of missiles in the Iran-Israel war?
Mar 23, 2026
Air Marshal Ravi Kapoor (Retd.), former AOC-in-C of Central Air Command, brings air‑defense and logistics expertise. He discusses why interceptors struggle against cheap drones. He explains production bottlenecks, costly missile usage, and fragile supply chains for critical minerals. He also outlines how strategic timing and China’s export control risks shape military readiness.
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Missile Defenses Aren't Designed For Drone Swarms
- US air defenses like THAAD and Patriot are optimized for ballistic missiles and aircraft, not swarms of cheap drones.
- Air Marshal Ravi Kapoor notes Iran launched ~3,700 missiles and drones, with 800 ballistic and ~3,000 drones overwhelming systems not built for drones.
High Intercept Rates Still Allow Significant Damage
- Even high interception rates leave dangerous absolute numbers of attackers penetrating defenses.
- Kapoor notes 90–95% interception still means ~300 of 3,000 drones could get through, enough to strike refineries, airports or populated areas.
US Interceptor Stocks Are Finite And Slow To Replenish
- US stocks are finite and production limited, so high-rate usage depletes inventories quickly.
- Kapoor explains THAAD production is ~96 missiles a year and complex supply chains mean replenishment takes years for some components.