WASHINGTON, United States: The US missile budget seeks 3,655 Patriot and THAAD interceptors for fiscal 2027, Army documents show, to expand production and replenish stocks.
The request follows heavy missile use in the Middle East. Reuters reported that shrinking supplies had raised concerns about US readiness for a possible Indo-Pacific conflict.
The Army’s April 2026 budget book requests 2,798 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors. Regular funding covers 244 missiles. Mandatory funding covers another 2,554.
The same document seeks 857 Terminal High Altitude Area Defence interceptors. The regular request covers 27 missiles. The Munitions Acceleration Council would fund another 830.
Together, the two programs carry requests worth about $23.7 billion. Congress must authorise and fund the proposals before the Army can spend the money.
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The Army Requirements Oversight Council also raised its long-term Patriot MSE goal on April 16, 2025. It increased the target from 3,376 missiles to 13,773.
That figure covers the wider acquisition goal, not the fiscal 2027 order. The distinction avoids presenting a long-term target as a one-year purchase.
Reuters reported on Aug. 4 that the Army had used up most of its global stock of long-range missiles. Two sources said Army Tactical Missile Systems and Precision Strike Missiles.
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They said the Army had spent “virtually all” of those weapons during five months of war with Iran.Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told Reuters that the military retained enough capabilities to protect US personnel and interests.
The budget directs mandatory funding toward larger production runs and stronger supply chains. The Army documents do not give delivery dates for all 3,655 interceptors.
