US has too few interceptors to deter war with China, experts say

Photo: A U.S. Army air defense artilleryman watches as spent Patriot interceptors are cross-loaded for transport in the Middle East – June 9, 2026. Photo credit: U.S. Army via DVIDS. Public Domain. Article by Patrick Tucker. Defense One – August 5, 2026.

The United States would run out of the interceptors it needs to take down Chinese missiles “within days” of a conflict, according to a new report from the Heritage Foundation. It’s the latest in a series of warnings from experts and commanders highlighting a critical gap. The White House, Congress, and defense contractors have taken steps to address it. But the ongoing war with Iran has exposed those efforts as insufficient, experts say. […]

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Theater Missile Defense Inventory: Inadequate for a U.S.–China Conflict – The Heritage Foundation

The 5 Major Weapons the US Is Reportedly Low On: What Shortages Would Mean – Newsweek

Report: U.S. No Longer Has Enough Interceptors to Deter China – The Maritime Executive