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

- Link: https://www.widthness.com/us-has-too-few-interceptors-to-deter-war-with-china-experts-say/
- Published: 2026-08-09T09:00:00-05:00
- Author: Curated by John Wysocki

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. […] Click here to view original web page at www.defenseone.com Related articles: 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 Curated by John Wysocki Chief Technical Officer See Full Bio