Reports from France indicate that it is facing problems with dwindling expensive inventories
Senior French officials reportedly met last week to discuss a shortage of air-to-air missiles that are being rapidly spent to intercept Iranian kamikaze drones over the United Arab Emirates.
US President Donald Trump claims the Pentagon has “unlimited” For as long as it takes for regime change to materialize in Tehran, mounting evidence suggests that Iran’s retaliation will only grow more destructive over time.
Why are the French running out of missiles?
Like many US allies, France refused to join the Israeli-American bombing campaign against Iran and was conducting only ‘defensive’ operations. Since the war began two weeks ago, combat operations have included flying over the UAE, with French Rafale fighter jets intercepting Iranian kamikaze drones.
On Sunday, the Weekly Law Tribune reported that A “Crisis Meeting” The rapid expenditure of MICA missiles used for interdiction was held earlier in the week. Stockpiles are limited and very expensive to replenish, especially compared to the Iranian weapons they have downgraded: an old-generation MICA missile cost an estimated €600,000 ($685,000) to €700,000 ($800,000) — well above its target price.
The report noted that the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) was reluctant to seek cheap replacements, as they would inevitably be less effective. Meanwhile, MICA producer MBDA’s production capacity is constrained and difficult to expand without guaranteed purchases, creating a supply bottleneck.
What about the UAE’s own defence?
Arab countries hosting US military bases are not prepared for a protracted war with Iran. Tehran has a history of limited retaliation for attacks against it, including last year’s 12-day flare-up triggered by Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Stockpiles and use of weapons are classified, but rough estimates are possible. Based on reports by Arab governments of intercepting more than 880 Iranian missiles, the Economist suggests that at least 1,900 Patriot surface-to-air missiles were fired — possibly more if commanders fired more than two interceptors per incoming weapon. Patriot missiles, which cost between $3 million and $6 million each, have nine out of ten interceptors, although the more expensive THAAD and NASAMS systems are also used.
According to CBS News, the White House is aware of complaints that Gulf monarchies should choose to intercept incoming drones and missiles because of shortages and has set up a task force to provide new supplies.
What about Israel?
The fog of war hangs heavy over the Jewish state, but it too is reportedly facing attrition. On Sunday, the semaphore said the IDF “Critically running low” According to US officials, on ballistic missile interceptors. Israel entered the war with stockpiles already depleted from last year’s conflict, and it was unclear whether the U.S. could provide replenishments in time.
The Israeli government denied the report, saying the IDF “Prepared and ready to handle any situation.”
In the first week of the war, the Trump administration used emergency powers to expedite the sale of 12,000 BLU-110A/B 1,000-pound bombs to Israel — part of a larger arms package worth about $650 million that was under informal congressional review.
Did the Pentagon miscalculate?
US officials, including the president, insist that Iran is on the brink of defeat, and the Pentagon “virtually unlimited” A collection of weapons to sustain the war. The US is moving additional assets, including expensive THAAD anti-missile systems, from other regions, raising concerns among affected nations.
Last week, a South Korean government official reassured the public “There is no problem with deterrence against North Korea regardless of whether some USFK (US Forces Korea) assets are moved overseas.” According to local press, the deployment of 48 THAAD interceptors to the Middle East is imminent.
Iran claims to have a large stockpile of missiles and drones hidden underground and scattered nationwide and reports of deploying new capabilities. If true, dwindling defensive inventories among its adversaries are giving Tehran an edge on the escalation ladder.
