Iran Missile Attack On US Base Marked 'Largest Patriot Missile Engagement In US History'

Iran launched 19 ballistic missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, but most were shot down by air defenses. The US military used Patriot missiles to repel the attack, which was the largest single Patriot engagement in US military history. The operation was likely expensive, with each PAC-3 Patriot missile costing $4 million. The supply of air defense systems is becoming increasingly limited due to the ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. The US has been aiding Israel in shooting down incoming Iranian missiles, which has put a strain on the Navy's supply of interceptors. Israel's supply of interceptors quickly dwindled during its war with Iran, and it was forced to ration their deployment, leaving some areas vulnerable to Iranian strikes. The US has been using its SM-3 interceptors to defend Israel, but they are being used at an alarming rate. A single SM-3 missile can cost between $10 million and $30 million. The US Secretary of State has stated that the country doesn't have enough Patriot systems to meet the demand. The limited supply of air defense systems is a growing concern for the US and its allies.