The U.S. military is facing a severe shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles, with current stockpiles reportedly at only 25% of the level required for potential conflicts. -This depletion, exacerbated by the recent defense of Al Udeid Air Base against an Iranian missile barrage and extensive aid to Ukraine,

The American-made Patriot surface-to-air missile system has been a workhorse for Kyiv in defending against Russian attacks.

The US Army plans to spend more than $1.3 billion on Patriot missiles for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, and has quietly quadrupled its overall purchase target for the air defense weapon that has proven critical not just for Ukraine but also for US forces in the Middle East.