Iran War Cost U.S. $38 Billion, Draining Up to Two-Thirds of Missile Interceptors
Updated
Updated · Military Times · Sep 15
Iran War Cost U.S. $38 Billion, Draining Up to Two-Thirds of Missile Interceptors
3 articles · Updated · Military Times · Sep 15
Summary
$38 billion in U.S. combat costs had accumulated by Aug. 1, CBO said, with the sharper military risk coming from interceptor stocks consumed since June 2025.
One-half to two-thirds of combined Patriot, THAAD, SM-3 and SM-6 inventories have been used, the agency estimated, leaving fewer defenses for another major conflict and requiring at least five years to rebuild.
$13.1 billion of the $21.7 billion munitions replacement bill is tied to those interceptors, whose unit costs range from about $4 million for Patriot or SM-6 to $28 million for SM-3.
$10.4 billion in flying hours, $2.7 billion in fuel and $1.9 billion in equipment losses—including a destroyed THAAD radar—made up the largest non-munition costs during Operation Epic Fury.
$2 billion to $3 billion in added monthly costs could continue if fighting stays relatively low-intensity, while the depleted interceptor inventory could weaken U.S. readiness for a missile-heavy conflict with China.