⭕ Pentagon seeks $3.5bn “emergency” budget to replenish arms used in defense of Israel

The US Department of Defense has asked Congress for more than $3.5 billion in “emergency” funds to refill weapons stockpiles depleted by operations linked to Israel.

The request centers on missile interceptors fired since October 2023, including around $1bn for RTX’s SM-3 systems, which US Navy destroyers used in April 2024 against Iranian strikes.

Another $204m is allocated for Lockheed Martin’s THAAD interceptors, alongside millions for radar maintenance, vessel repairs, and munitions transport.

The budget papers highlight growing costs for the US military presence in West Asia and rising concerns in Washington over the ability to replenish supplies while continuing to arm Israel.