Archive · 16 Sep 2026
U.S. Fires Dozens of Interceptors During Iran Missile Attack
U.S. forces used many defensive missiles during an Iranian attack.
The attack included about 20 ballistic missiles.
The U.S. fired between 60 and 70 Patriot interceptors.
It also fired more than a dozen Thaad interceptors.
These interceptors are used to try to stop incoming missiles.
One official said this used about as many interceptors as the U.S. normally used in a full week during other parts of the war.
The report does not say exactly when or where the attack happened.
The numbers came from officials.
U.S. forces fired 60 to 70 Patriot interceptors during the attack.
The attack involved about 20 ballistic missiles, according to officials.
U.S. forces also fired more than a dozen Thaad interceptors.
One official said the expenditure matched U.S. usage during a full week at other points in the war.
The figures were provided by officials, whose identities were not specified.
- Who
- U.S. forces and Iran, according to the report.
- What
- U.S. forces used Patriot and Thaad interceptors against an attack involving about 20 ballistic missiles.
- When
- During the war; the exact timing is not specified.
- Where
- Not specified in the report.
- Why
- The interceptors were fired to counter Iran’s attack.
- Patriot interceptors used
- 60 to 70
- Ballistic missiles in attack
- About 20
- Thaad interceptors used
- More than a dozen
- Reported comparison
- The expenditure was about equal to U.S. usage during a full week at other times in the war.
- Source of figures
- Officials, whose identities were not specified