Chinese military observers suggest that the depletion of US munitions stockpiles, particularly after the Iran conflict, presents a significant vulnerability against major adversaries. They note that the US used substantial amounts of key interceptors, such as Patriot and THAAD missiles, during the recent hostilities.

The United States’ depleted stockpile of munitions from its war on Iran and limited production capacity will be a critical vulnerability against stronger adversaries, according to Chinese military observers. During the 39 days of war before the ceasefire, the US is estimated to have used about half of both its Patriot air defence missiles and the longer-range Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) interceptors. Stockpiles of Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) and Standard Missile 6 (SM-6)...