Today, Explained Attack of the drones
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Mar 23, 2026 
Michael Horowitz, a political scientist focused on military tech, and Josh Keating, a foreign affairs journalist, dig into how Iran’s cheap drones are reshaping war. They explore interceptor shortages, the high cost of stopping low cost attacks, regional escalation, underground drone production, and why future conflicts may hinge on cheaper defenses.
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Why This War Hinges On Interceptor Math
- This war has become a math problem where Iran can hurl many projectiles, but the US and allies risk running short of costly interceptors.
- Josh Keating says Patriot and THAAD shots can cost $500,000 to $4 million each while stockpiles burn fast.
Cheap Attacks Are Draining Expensive Defenses
- The US built exquisite air defenses for rare, high-value threats, not for constant barrages of cheap drones and missiles.
- Josh Keating notes the US reportedly spent $2.4 billion in Patriot interceptors in five days and about a quarter of THAAD stocks in June.
Iran May Be Pacing Its Arsenal For A Long War
- Iran may be lowering launch rates not only from losses but to stretch the war and outlast Donald Trump's tolerance for mounting costs.
- Josh Keating compares it to Hezbollah holding rockets back, then suddenly firing 200 after earlier seeming nearly spent.