Missile interceptor shortage worries rise in world capitals

(Bloomberg) — As drones and missiles target cities and critical infrastructure in Ukraine and the Gulf, the world is scrambling to secure supplies of the air defense interceptors needed to stop them.

Several European Union states warned at a closed-door meeting in Brussels this week that there is a shortage of interceptors across the world, according to people familiar with the matter.

Some of the officials noted that interceptor missiles could become more scarce if the war in the Middle East drags on. The continent has already tapped stockpiles to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s aggression, the people said.

The supply of crucial munitions is both a technical and political issue, as critics of President Donald Trump’s war in Iran have accused his administration of squandering valuable munitions on a war of choice that leaves Washington less able to take on bigger adversaries such as China or Russia.

On Friday, Trump said he wouldn’t accept a negotiated end to his war with Iran, suggesting the conflict could drag on for some time. “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Top US defense contractors including Lockheed and RTX are set to meet at the White House at 2:30 pm ET on Friday as the Pentagon pushes to speed weapons production for its escalating war efforts in Iran. Both companies signed agreements with the Defense Department this year to boost production.