In this explainer, ITV News reporter Martin Stew breaks down the hidden financial cost of the war in the Middle East — from $35,000 Iranian drones to $4 million missile interceptors and billion-dollar warships.
As tensions escalate across the region, the United States, Iran, Israel, the UAE and the UK are deploying some of the most advanced weapons in the world. But behind every missile launch and drone strike is a financial calculation: is it cheaper to attack or defend — and who can afford to keep fighting?
Using real examples from the conflict — including Patriot missile intercepts, Iranian Shahed drones, Tomahawk cruise missiles, Iron Dome, Arrow 3 and Israel’s new Iron Beam laser defence system — this report examines the true economic cost of modern warfare.
Featuring analysis from military expert Dr Lynette Nusbacher, we explain:
• Why cheap drones are challenging expensive air defence systems
• The real cost of missile defence in the Middle East
• How much the US military is spending on strikes and interceptors
• Whether Iran can sustain its drone and missile attacks
• How Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow systems defend against rockets
• Why countries like the UAE are spending hundreds of millions intercepting drones
• What the UK’s military role in the conflict could cost
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:31 The US
4:08 Iran
7:20 The UAE
9:34 Israel
12:07 The UK
14:23 Outro
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