04.03.2026 21:05
It is reported that Iran has carried out attacks using drones costing around $20,000, while the U.S. has stopped them with THAAD, Patriot, and SM-3 interceptor missiles worth millions of dollars. According to experts, Iran's use of hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones indicates an "economic warfare" strategy that could strain the U.S. defense capacity in a prolonged conflict by quickly depleting its limited stock of air defense munitions.
The escalating conflicts between Iran and the USA have brought forth a new model of warfare that is not only military but also economic. According to experts, Iran's attacks using low-cost drones are quickly depleting the USA's high-cost defense systems.
ONE COSTS 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS, THE OTHER 4 MILLION DOLLARS
It is reported that Iran launches drones costing approximately 20 thousand dollars, while the USA shoots them down with interceptors costing up to 4 million dollars. This situation is said to potentially increase defense costs significantly in the long run.
THOUSANDS OF DRONES AND HUNDREDS OF MISSILES LAUNCHED
Since the beginning of the conflicts, it has been reported that Iran has launched over 500 ballistic missiles and more than 2,000 drones. The USA is heavily utilizing advanced air defense systems such as THAAD, Patriot PAC-3, and SM-3 to stop these attacks. However, experts point out that the munitions used in these systems are being consumed rapidly. During the 12-day conflict last year, the USA used 25% of its THAAD stock, and it is estimated that similar levels could be reached in a shorter time in the current war.
LIMITED PRODUCTION RATE
While it is stated that the USA can produce approximately 600 Patriot missiles per year, it is noted that Iran's actions have led to the use of a number of missile defense munitions that would match this production capacity within a few days. According to defense experts, although the USA has a high production capacity for JDAMs and conventional bombs, the munitions for the missile defense systems protecting the bases are limited... Additionally, the reproduction of these systems can take 1 to 3 years.
ASSESSMENT OF "ECONOMIC WAR"
Experts define this situation as an "economic war." It is stated that Iran is trying to deplete the USA's expensive defense munitions with its low-cost attack vehicles, and the aim of the strategy is not to win the missile exchange but to reduce defense stocks. Analysts believe that in a prolonged conflict, the side that consumes defense munitions more quickly may be at risk.