Multiple reports suggest that Gulf nations are slowly running out of air defence capacity amid a barrage of Iranian missile and drone strikes in retaliation for US–Israel attacks on the Islamic Republic in the ongoing war. This is forcing nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE to consider joining the war against Iran after remaining on the defensive for the first month. Here is how the air defence systems are holding up against the Iranian strikes.<h2>Iran fired thousands of missiles and drones at Gulf nations</h2>A report in Bloomberg claimed that Iran has launched 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones and cruise missiles at US bases and military assets in Gulf countries since the war began on 28 February. Iran also targeted oil and gas facilities in several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. This past weekend alone, around 40 Iranian missiles were launched in a single wave, which is twice the daily average, the report said.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-says-securing-the-strait-of-hormuz-is-not-our-job-1775022284664/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-says-securing-the-strait-of-hormuz-is-not-our-job-1775022284664/embed</a><h2>Gulf countries ended up firing double the number of interceptors</h2>The air defence systems of Gulf nations, mostly bought from the US, have fired more than 2,400 interceptors. This has nearly exhausted their pre-war stockpiles of these missiles, according to the Bloomberg report.This is because the defence systems often have to fire at least twice at each missile or drone based on the ‘shoot, shoot, look’ doctrine. This means interceptors are launched twice and then the results are assessed. By implication, it can be estimated that at least 2,400 interceptors were fired over the course of the war, perhaps more. This is because, at times, additional interceptor missiles are needed to defend against incoming projectiles, the Bloomberg report noted.Most of these interceptors were Patriot PAC-3 and GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile–Tactical) missiles. Before the war, Gulf nations had fewer than 2,800 of these.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-to-join-iran-war-report-claims-gulf-nation-to-help-us-allies-force-open-strait-of-hormuz-1775023984485">UAE to join Iran war? Report claims Gulf nation to help US, allies force open Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>Iran targeted crucial military and fuel facilities of Gulf nations; layered defence under strain</h2>Iran has targeted US bases such as Prince Sultan in Saudi Arabia, Al Udeid in Qatar and Al Dhafra in the UAE, among others. Its missiles and drones have also hit ports and oil infrastructure.Gulf states intercepted most of the threats, but the volume of attacks from Iran has created significant pressure.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-expect-destruction-irgc-threatens-attacks-on-us-firms-in-gulf-after-iran-leader-killings-which-companies-are-on-the-target-list-1774971791262">'Expect destruction': IRGC threatens attacks on US firms in Gulf after Iran leader killings. Which companies are on target list</a><h2>Interceptor missiles are expensive</h2>There is heavy dependence on US-supplied defence systems. Pre-war stockpiles of these specific interceptors were fewer than 2,800, whereas at least 2,400 have already been fired, leaving limited reserves.They are not quickly replaceable in large quantities during active conflict, with Patriot PAC-3 missiles alone costing millions of dollars each.Countries such as the UAE also use the US-made THAAD defence system, as well as fighter jets for intercepting drones and cruise missiles.&nbsp;However, high-end ballistic interceptors are reserved for the most dangerous threats.<h2>Iranian strikes are getting through despite interceptions</h2>Some Iranian missiles or drones have managed to land in Gulf states and cause damage despite interception efforts.Iran’s long-range missiles are harder to fully suppress.&nbsp;Iran has managed to launch them from dispersed sites despite claims that US–Israel airstrikes have degraded two-thirds of these launchers.<h2>Gulf defence is running dry. Offence may be the next option</h2>Sustained Iranian attacks risk Gulf nations running out of key defensive munitions.Some officials are privately questioning the security guarantees offered by the US, while others have reportedly asked it to ‘finish the job’ in order to deprive Iran of the ability to carry out such strikes in future.This could eventually force them to join the war.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Gulf nations are facing air defence strain as Iranian missile and drone attacks intensify. Interceptor stockpiles are depleting, raising concerns over security. This might force them to join the war 

Multiple reports suggest that Gulf nations are slowly running out of air defence capacity amid a barrage of Iranian missile and drone strikes in retaliation for US–Israel attacks on the Islamic Republic in the ongoing war. This is forcing nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE to consider joining the war against Iran after remaining on the defensive for the first month. Here is how the air defence systems are holding up against the Iranian strikes. Iran fired thousands of missiles and drones at Gulf nations A report in Bloomberg claimed that Iran has launched 1,200 ballistic missiles and 4,000 Shahed drones and cruise missiles at US bases and military assets in Gulf countries since the war began on 28 February. Iran also targeted oil and gas facilities in several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. This past weekend alone, around 40 Iranian missiles were launched in a single wave, which is twice the daily average, the report said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-says-securing-the-strait-of-hormuz-is-not-our-job-1775022284664/embed Gulf countries ended up firing double the number of interceptors The air defence systems of Gulf nations, mostly bought from the US, have fired more than 2,400 interceptors. This has nearly exhausted their pre-war stockpiles of these missiles, according to the Bloomberg report. This is because the defence systems often have to fire at least twice at each missile or drone based on the ‘shoot, shoot, look’ doctrine. This means interceptors are launched twice and then the results are assessed. By implication, it can be estimated that at least 2,400 interceptors were fired over the course of the war, perhaps more. This is because, at times, additional interceptor missiles are needed to defend against incoming projectiles, the Bloomberg report noted. Most of these interceptors were Patriot PAC-3 and GEM-T (Guidance Enhanced Missile–Tactical) missiles. Before the war, Gulf nations had fewer than 2,800 of these. Also read: UAE to join Iran war? Report claims Gulf nation to help US, allies force open Strait of Hormuz Iran targeted crucial military and fuel facilities of Gulf nations; layered defence under strain Iran has targeted US bases such as Prince Sultan in Saudi Arabia, Al Udeid in Qatar and Al Dhafra in the UAE, among others. Its missiles and drones have also hit ports and oil infrastructure. Gulf states intercepted most of the threats, but the volume of attacks from Iran has created significant pressure. Also read: 'Expect destruction': IRGC threatens attacks on US firms in Gulf after Iran leader killings. Which companies are on target list Interceptor missiles are expensive There is heavy dependence on US-supplied defence systems. Pre-war stockpiles of these specific interceptors were fewer than 2,800, whereas at least 2,400 have already been fired, leaving limited reserves. They are not quickly replaceable in large quantities during active conflict, with Patriot PAC-3 missiles alone costing millions of dollars each. Countries such as the UAE also use the US-made THAAD defence system, as well as fighter jets for intercepting drones and cruise missiles. However, high-end ballistic interceptors are reserved for the most dangerous threats. Iranian strikes are getting through despite interceptions Some Iranian missiles or drones have managed to land in Gulf states and cause damage despite interception efforts. Iran’s long-range missiles are harder to fully suppress. Iran has managed to launch them from dispersed sites despite claims that US–Israel airstrikes have degraded two-thirds of these launchers. Gulf defence is running dry. Offence may be the next option Sustained Iranian attacks risk Gulf nations running out of key defensive munitions. Some officials are privately questioning the security guarantees offered by the US, while others have reportedly asked it to ‘finish the job’ in order to deprive Iran of the ability to carry out such strikes in future. This could eventually force them to join the war. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Gulf nations are facing air defence strain as Iranian missile and drone attacks intensify. Interceptor stockpiles are depleting, raising concerns over security. This might force them to join the war&nbsp;

Iran war: Gulf states' air defences are under strain. It might force them to go on offensive

The UAE protects its airspace using a multi-layered defence network. Systems like THAAD, Patriot, and Pantsir-S1 work together to track and intercept ballistic missiles and drones midair, successfully neutralising threats while managing the risks of falling debris.


The UAE protects its airspace using a multi-layered defence network. Systems like THAAD, Patriot, and Pantsir-S1 work together to track and intercept ballistic missiles and drones midair, successfully neutralising threats while managing the risks of falling debris.

'Capable of stopping drones and missiles midair’: What protects the Gulf from ballistic missile attacks?

The US military has deployed THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) batteries and Patriot Defence systems into the Middle East, as threats of conflict with Iran seem imminent. Iran has warned of retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases in the region. The development was reported by CNN, and the movement reflects a sharpened military posture and enhanced protection for the nodes in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. However, the exact time of the deployment has not been made clear. This development is in parallel to the repositioning of USS Abraham Lincoln from the Strait of Malacca to the Gulf. Meanwhile, the US Air Force is planning to conduct a multi-day air exercise in the Middle East.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canada-f-35-fighter-jet-deal-1769496228949">Trump administration pressures Canada over F-35 contract, warns to send fighter jets into Canadian airspace</a><h2>What is the THAAD?</h2>The THAAD is a ground-based transportable air defence system capable of intercepting medium-intermediate range (150 to 200 kilometres) ballistic missiles inside or outside the upper atmosphere. The system is typically deployed with a battery, which includes 6 truck launchers, 48 interceptors and a fire control and communications component. The interceptors use a combination of advanced radar systems and interceptors. The THAAD uses the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance radar, or AN/TPY-2, which can detect missiles in two ways. In its forward-based mode, it is configured to acquire and track targets at ranges of up to 3,000 kilometres and in its terminal mode, it is aimed upward to acquire targets during their descent.&nbsp;However, through a command control and a management system, THAAD can communicate with a range of US missile defences, including Aegis systems, commonly found aboard US Navy ships. It can be deployed within eight hours of arriving at its deployment site. Usually, it is carried using cargo aircraft like the C-17 and C-5.

The US military has deployed THAAD and Patriot missile defence systems across the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Here’s what THAAD is, how it works, and why the deployment matters.

The US military has deployed THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) batteries and Patriot Defence systems into the Middle East, as threats of conflict with Iran seem imminent. Iran has warned of retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases in the region. The development was reported by CNN, and the movement reflects a sharpened military posture and enhanced protection for the nodes in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. However, the exact time of the deployment has not been made clear. This development is in parallel to the repositioning of USS Abraham Lincoln from the Strait of Malacca to the Gulf. Meanwhile, the US Air Force is planning to conduct a multi-day air exercise in the Middle East. Also Read: Trump administration pressures Canada over F-35 contract, warns to send fighter jets into Canadian airspace What is the THAAD? The THAAD is a ground-based transportable air defence system capable of intercepting medium-intermediate range (150 to 200 kilometres) ballistic missiles inside or outside the upper atmosphere. The system is typically deployed with a battery, which includes 6 truck launchers, 48 interceptors and a fire control and communications component. The interceptors use a combination of advanced radar systems and interceptors. The THAAD uses the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance radar, or AN/TPY-2, which can detect missiles in two ways. In its forward-based mode, it is configured to acquire and track targets at ranges of up to 3,000 kilometres and in its terminal mode, it is aimed upward to acquire targets during their descent. However, through a command control and a management system, THAAD can communicate with a range of US missile defences, including Aegis systems, commonly found aboard US Navy ships. It can be deployed within eight hours of arriving at its deployment site. Usually, it is carried using cargo aircraft like the C-17 and C-5.

The US military has deployed THAAD and Patriot missile defence systems across the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Here’s what THAAD is, how it works, and why the deployment matters.

US deploys THAAD and patriot missile defence systems in Middle East amid rising Iran tensions

Here are top 10 interceptor missiles used in defensive roles, many featuring advanced hit-to-kill or high‑precision guidance and high speeds to stop ballistic missiles, rockets, cruise missiles and hostile aircraft

Here are top 10 interceptor missiles used in defensive roles, many featuring advanced hit-to-kill or high‑precision guidance and high speeds to stop ballistic missiles, rockets, cruise missiles and hostile aircraft

Top 10 interceptor missiles used in defensive roles

The United States announced on Sunday (Oct) 13 that it will deploy an advanced anti-missile system to Israel, along with US troops to operate it, to strengthen the country’s air defences following Iranian attacks earlier this month.

The United States announced on Sunday (Oct) 13 that it will deploy an advanced anti-missile system to Israel, along with US troops to operate it, to strengthen the country’s air defences following Iranian attacks earlier this month. President Joe Biden asked Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to authorise "the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of US military personnel" to Israel. "The THAAD Battery will augment Israel's integrated air defence system. This action underscores the United States' ironclad commitment to the defence of Israel, and to defend Americans in Israel, from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran," said Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder in a statement on Sunday. Also read: Pentagon puzzled after mystery drones hover over US military base for 17 days “It is part of the broader adjustments the US military has made in recent months, to support the defence of Israel and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias,” Ryder added. 'Only US system designed to intercept targets outside and inside the atmosphere' The THAAD system, produced by Lockheed Martin, "is the only US system designed to intercept targets outside and inside the atmosphere." This is not the first time the US has deployed THAAD to Israel, having previously done so in 2019 during joint exercises and following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, according to the statement. Also read: Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw south Lebanon peacekeepers On October 1, Iran launched approximately 180 missiles at Israel. This attack came after Israel’s assassination of the leader of Iran-backed group Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, on September 27. This attack was larger than Iran’s April response when it launched 110 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles at Israel after an Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. Iran warns US against sending troops to Israel Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that by sending US troops to Israel to operate missile systems, the US was endangering its military personnel. "While we have made tremendous efforts in recent days to contain an all-out war in our region, I say it clearly that we have no red lines in defending our people and interests," Araghchi posted on X. (With inputs from agencies)

US to deploy anti-missile system THAAD in Israel to ‘defend Americans’ against future Iranian attacks

The United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea following North Korea&#39;s test of four ballistic missiles, US&nbsp;Pacific Command said on Tuesday.

The announcement came as North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un had personally supervised Monday&#39;s missile launches, stepping up threats against Washington as US&nbsp;troops conduct joint military exercises with South Korea.

&quot;Continued provocative actions by North Korea, to include yesterday&#39;s launch of multiple missiles, only confirm the prudence of our alliance decision last year to deploy THAAD to South Korea,&quot; US&nbsp;Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris said in the statement.

The move by the US&nbsp;military is likely to deepen the brewing conflict between South Korea and China, which has angrily opposed the THAAD deployment as destroying regional security balance.

The four ballistic missiles landed in the sea off Japan&#39;s north-west, angering Seoul and Tokyo, days after North Korea promised retaliation over the military drills which it sees as preparation for war.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed the launches during a phone call on Tuesday.

&quot;Japan and the US&nbsp;confirmed that the latest North Korean missile launches were clearly against UN&nbsp;resolutions and a clear provocation against the regional and international community,&quot; Abe told reporters. &quot;(North Korea&#39;s) threat has entered a new phase.&quot;

Trump also spoke to South Korea&#39;s acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn to discuss the North&#39;s missile launches, Hwang&#39;s office said.

Mercilessly Retaliate

The missile test was undertaken by an army unit commissioned with attacking US&nbsp;military bases in Japan, the North&#39;s official KCNA news agency said.

&quot;In the hearts of artillerymen ... there was burning desire to mercilessly retaliate against the warmongers going ahead with their joint war exercises,&quot; KCNA said.

&quot;He (Kim) ordered the KPA Strategic Force to keep highly alert as required by the grim situation in which an actual war may break out anytime, and get fully ready to promptly move, take positions and strike so that it can open fire to annihilate the enemies.&quot;

The missiles North Korea fired on Monday were unlikely to have been intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), South Korea said, which can reach the United States. They flew on average 1,000 km (620 miles) and reached an altitude of 260 km (160 miles).

Some landed as close as 300 km (190 miles) from Japan&#39;s north-west coast, Japan&#39;s Defence Minister said earlier.

THAAD deployment

The United States and Japan have requested a United Nations Security Council meeting on the launches, which will likely be scheduled for Wednesday, diplomats said.

The planned installation of the US&nbsp;anti-missile defence system, which South Korea has said would be operational by the end of the year, has led to a diplomatic standoff between China and South Korea.

Chinese authorities have closed nearly two dozen retail stores of South Korea&#39;s Lotte Group that approved a land swap with the country&#39;s military last week to allow it to install the system.

China objects to the THAAD deployment, saying its territory is the target of the system&#39;s far-reaching radar. South Korea and the United States have said the missile system is aimed only at curbing North Korean provocations.

(Reuters)

The announcement came as North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un had personally supervised Monday's missile launches

The United States started to deploy the first elements of its advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea following North Korea's test of four ballistic missiles, US Pacific Command said on Tuesday. The announcement came as North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un had personally supervised Monday's missile launches, stepping up threats against Washington as US troops conduct joint military exercises with South Korea. "Continued provocative actions by North Korea, to include yesterday's launch of multiple missiles, only confirm the prudence of our alliance decision last year to deploy THAAD to South Korea," US Pacific Commander Admiral Harry Harris said in the statement. The move by the US military is likely to deepen the brewing conflict between South Korea and China, which has angrily opposed the THAAD deployment as destroying regional security balance. The four ballistic missiles landed in the sea off Japan's north-west, angering Seoul and Tokyo, days after North Korea promised retaliation over the military drills which it sees as preparation for war. US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed the launches during a phone call on Tuesday. "Japan and the US confirmed that the latest North Korean missile launches were clearly against UN resolutions and a clear provocation against the regional and international community," Abe told reporters. "(North Korea's) threat has entered a new phase." Trump also spoke to South Korea's acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn to discuss the North's missile launches, Hwang's office said. Mercilessly Retaliate The missile test was undertaken by an army unit commissioned with attacking US military bases in Japan, the North's official KCNA news agency said. "In the hearts of artillerymen ... there was burning desire to mercilessly retaliate against the warmongers going ahead with their joint war exercises," KCNA said. "He (Kim) ordered the KPA Strategic Force to keep highly alert as required by the grim situation in which an actual war may break out anytime, and get fully ready to promptly move, take positions and strike so that it can open fire to annihilate the enemies." The missiles North Korea fired on Monday were unlikely to have been intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), South Korea said, which can reach the United States. They flew on average 1,000 km (620 miles) and reached an altitude of 260 km (160 miles). Some landed as close as 300 km (190 miles) from Japan's north-west coast, Japan's Defence Minister said earlier. THAAD deployment The United States and Japan have requested a United Nations Security Council meeting on the launches, which will likely be scheduled for Wednesday, diplomats said. The planned installation of the US anti-missile defence system, which South Korea has said would be operational by the end of the year, has led to a diplomatic standoff between China and South Korea. Chinese authorities have closed nearly two dozen retail stores of South Korea's Lotte Group that approved a land swap with the country's military last week to allow it to install the system. China objects to the THAAD deployment, saying its territory is the target of the system's far-reaching radar. South Korea and the United States have said the missile system is aimed only at curbing North Korean provocations. (Reuters)

US begins deploying THAAD system in South Korea after North Korea missile test

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Iran war: Gulf states' air defences are under strain. It might force them to go on offensive

Midair collisions: How Gulf air defences stop drones and missiles

US deploys THAAD missile defence system in Middle East amid rising Iran tensions

Top 10 interceptor missiles used in defensive roles

US to deploy anti-missile system THAAD in Israel to ‘defend Americans’ against future Iranian attacks

US begins deploying THAAD system in South Korea after North Korea missile test