The main costs of the wars are for the replacement of weapons, about 29 billion dollars. The most sought-after advanced weapons whose stockpiles have been drawn are defensive missile interceptors, such as those launched by the Army's Patriot and THAAD systems, with a single Patriot interceptor costing millions of dollars.” —. Democrat-Gazette, October 29, 2026 ᅠ The US is burning through its most advanced defensive weapons at an alarming rate, leaving it vulnerable to other theaters. It is a strategic overstretch that weakens America's ability to deter its main adversaries. ᅠ Subscribe to CSOFT Media for more information on the changing strategic landscape in West Asia.