Gulf nations are rapidly depleting their air defense resources, raising concerns about potential vulnerability to Iranian missile and drone attacks. The Middle East region has been embroiled in conflict following joint strikes by Israel and the US on key Iranian sites, resulting in retaliation from Iran and escalating tensions across the area.
The strain on US-supplied defense systems in the Middle East to intercept Iranian attacks is becoming unsustainable, according to experts. The University of Oslo’s missile specialist expressed that the current rate of interceptor usage can only be sustained for about a week before facing shortages.
Reports indicate that the UAE has already intercepted a significant number of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones over three days. While no ballistic missiles breached the defenses, some drones managed to hit their targets. Bahrain experienced multiple ballistic missile attacks, while Iranian drones targeted strategic locations in Kuwait and Qatar.
Each incoming ballistic missile requires multiple interceptors, such as Patriot and Thaad systems, to be neutralized, leading to a costly defense effort. With an estimated 2,000 missiles in Tehran’s arsenal targeting Gulf territories, the exact number of interceptors available in the region remains undisclosed. However, concerns arise as some countries may have limited reserves, exacerbating the issue of countering Iranian threats effectively.
Furthermore, the situation is worsened by the expensive deployment of Patriot batteries against Iran’s less sophisticated drones, depleting resources inefficiently. Worries about the sufficiency of Washington’s weapon reserves for a prolonged conflict have also emerged, although President Trump has expressed confidence in the available supply. US and Israeli forces have been systematically targeting Iranian launch infrastructure to disrupt the incoming fire sources.
Intelligence reports suggest that numerous Iranian launch systems have been disabled as part of this strategic approach.
