Iran Adapts Tactics to Strain U.S. Air Defenses and Deplete Interceptors – NYT
Iran is adapting its tactics to wear down U.S. air defenses and take advantage of dwindling interceptor stocks, according to new reporting from The New York Times.
During five days of attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan last month, Iran combined drones with maneuvering ballistic missiles in an effort to overwhelm American defensive systems. On July 17, one missile penetrated the defenses at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, killing three U.S. soldiers and wounding more than 100 others.
The scale of the U.S. response is becoming increasingly significant. American forces have fired more than 1,500 Patriot interceptors during the war and reportedly have fewer than 1,700 remaining. The U.S. produced only about 600 Patriots throughout all of 2025.
The cost of defending against the attacks is also substantial. On a single day during the Jordan attacks, U.S. forces reportedly fired around 50 Patriot interceptors, with each missile costing roughly $4 million.
Iran has demonstrated other adaptations as well. In April, drones provided targeting data that helped Iran shoot down a U.S. F-15E. Tehran has also expanded attacks through partners such as the Houthis, forcing U.S. forces to defend against threats coming from multiple directions.
The Pentagon continues to publicly deny that the United States is facing a munitions shortage.
