"The US has used extensively its own inventories.... We're down to about 800 or 900 [Patriot interceptors]. CNN, citing unnamed officials, reported on August 4 that Patriot inventories had fallen to "dangerously low" levels. "Before the war in Ukraine, it was producing about 300 Patriot interceptors a year. Over time, he said, Ukraine may increasingly turn toward cheaper technologies, including drone-based air defense and laser systems, rather than relying primarily on costly Patriot interceptors. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker recently said Washington is exploring joint production of Patriot interceptors with Ukraine and European partners.