- US has used ‘virtually all’ of its long-range precision missiles during the Iran war, according to sources.
- Concerns are rising about the military's readiness for future conflicts as the US has exhausted its long-range missile stockpile.
- Military leaders have warned that stockpiles of defensive weapons, including Patriot interceptors, are dwindling.
- Trump administration has reportedly avoided riskier attacks on Iranian targets due to the drawdown of missile stockpiles.
- ATACMS and PrSM are the primary long-range precision missiles that have been utilized extensively in the conflict.
- Production is shifting to the newer PrSM missiles as the Army phases out ATACMS.
- Trump's statement claimed the U.S. has more munitions than needed, despite the reported depletion.
The U.S. military has exhausted nearly all of its long-range precision missiles, including Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), during the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Sources indicate that the depletion of these munitions, which cost over $1 million each, raises significant concerns about the military's readiness for future conflicts, particularly with adversaries like China.
The Trump administration's military strategy has relied heavily on these weapons, which allow for safe, accurate strikes from a distance. However, the drawdown of stockpiles has led to discussions within the federal government about the sustainability of U.S. military operations without risking a reduction in capabilities.4
According to reports, the U.S. has burned through nearly half of its global supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles and approximately 65% of its Patriot interceptors since the war began. Military leaders have warned that the dwindling stockpiles could limit the military's ability to respond to crises elsewhere.3
Despite these concerns, a U.S. official stated that the military can resupply its stockpiles, and Raytheon has reached a tentative agreement with the Pentagon to boost production of Tomahawk missiles and other munitions.
The White House has downplayed the situation, with President Trump asserting that the U.S. has “far more munitions than anyone in the world.” However, the degree of depletion of ATACMS and PrSM stockpiles has not been previously reported, highlighting the urgency of the situation.5
As the conflict continues, the military's reliance on these precision weapons raises questions about future operational capabilities and strategic decisions moving forward.
“The munitions involved are ATACMS and PrSM; analysts say they cost over $1 million each and would be important in any conflict with China. Asked for comment, the White House issued a statement from Trump saying the US has ‘far more munitions than anyone in the world’ and ‘far more than we need.’”
The Independent
