Part 3/15:
The Patriot missile interceptors are particularly scarce, as their production is limited to roughly 600 units annually. A large-scale conflict with Iran, which possesses over 1,000 ballistic missiles, could expose U.S. bases to significant vulnerability if stockpiles remain insufficient. In response, Trump considers sourcing missile systems from European allies like Germany and Greece, which possess existing Patriot batteries. Yet, domestic and regional reluctance complicates this, given NATO's own dwindling armaments and concerns over regional escalation.