Are gulf states running out of missile interceptors? | The Economist (Level 1)

Many countries in the Middle East have strong air defense systems. Israel uses systems like the Iron Dome to stop rockets. Gulf countries use American systems like Patriot to stop fast missiles. However, there is a big problem. These countries are using too many defense missiles. When Iran attacks, defending countries must fire two defense missiles to stop one attacking missile. They are using their supplies very quickly. Factories cannot make new defense missiles fast enough. For example, factories only make about 600 Patriot missiles a year. If the fighting continues, these countries will run out of defense missiles in a few weeks. If this happens, more of Iran's missiles and cheap drones will hit their targets. This shortage is also a global problem. It affects other places that need defense missiles, like Ukraine and Europe.