Archive · 16 Sep 2026
US Fires Up to 70 Interceptors Against Iran Attack
Iran fired about 20 ballistic missiles toward US forces in Jordan.
The United States used many missiles called interceptors to try to stop them.
These included Patriot and THAAD interceptors.
Officials said Iran used missiles that could split into several projectiles near their targets.
This made the attack harder to defend against.
Some aircraft at the base were reportedly hit, but no US troops died in this attack.
The Pentagon says the United States still has many interceptors and is making more.
A Defense Department report, however, warned that the war has caused shortages and supply problems.
US forces launched 60 to 70 Patriot interceptors and more than a dozen THAAD interceptors against roughly 20 Iranian ballistic missiles targeting US forces in Jordan.
Iranian missiles reportedly struck fighter jets and other aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, though no US troops were killed in the attack.
Officials said some Iranian warheads could separate into multiple projectiles, increasing pressure on American air defenses.
The Pentagon denied that US munitions are depleted, while a Defense Department inspector general report cited strategic inventory shortfalls and resupply bottlenecks.
Lockheed Martin produced 620 Patriot interceptors in 2025 and aims to increase annual production to about 2,000.
- Who
- Iran attacked US forces in Jordan; US forces used Patriot and THAAD interceptors in response.
- What
- The United States launched up to 70 Patriot interceptors and more than a dozen THAAD interceptors against an Iranian ballistic-missile barrage.
- When
- The main exchange occurred last week; President Trump addressed interceptor supplies on Monday. A separate Iranian attack in July killed three US servicemembers.
- Where
- The attack targeted US forces at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
- Why
- Iran has been using increasingly sophisticated missile types, flight paths, maneuvers and warhead configurations to pressure and overwhelm US and allied defenses.
US Government Reassurance
Inventory Shortfall Warning
Availability of interceptors
US Government Reassurance
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said reports that US munitions are depleted are completely false, and President Trump said the United States has large interceptor stockpiles and is increasing production.
Inventory Shortfall Warning
A Defense Department inspector general report said the war has produced strategic inventory shortfalls and exposed bottlenecks in munitions resupply.
Effect of the attack
US Government Reassurance
US defenses responded extensively, and no US troops were killed in the latest attack.
Inventory Shortfall Warning
Officials said not every projectile was intercepted, and Iranian missiles reportedly struck aircraft at the Jordanian base.
- Iranian barrage
- Roughly 20 ballistic missiles
- Patriot interceptors used
- Between 60 and 70
- THAAD interceptors used
- More than a dozen, according to one official
- Reported damage
- Fighter jets and other aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base were reportedly struck
- US casualties
- No US troops were killed in the latest attack
- Patriot production
- Lockheed Martin produced 620 interceptors in 2025 and targets approximately 2,000 annually
- Supply assessment
- The Defense Department inspector general reported strategic inventory shortfalls and industrial-base bottlenecks