The Pentagon accelerates missile production and signs multi-billion-dollar contracts to restock Patriot, THAAD, and Tomahawk inventories following intense Middle East operations, despite White House denials of shortages.
The US military has exhausted nearly all of its ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles during its five-month conflict with Iran, sparking internal concerns over readiness for potential conflicts with adversaries like China and Russia.
The US military has reportedly exhausted its inventory of high-precision land-based tactical missiles, including ATACMS and PrSM, due to its campaign against Iran, according to sources cited by Reuters. US leadership has dismissed the claims.
Western intelligence assessments suggest Iran has significantly rebuilt its missile stockpiles during an 8-week ceasefire with the US, incorporating new Russian weaponry. This has equipped Iran with near-full counterattack capabilities should hostilities resume, with current estimates placing its ammunition at 75% of pre-war levels.
Iran is preparing for a resumption of hostilities with the US and Israel, indicated by military movements and internal security exercises, as peace talks remain stalled over sovereignty of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military's extensive use of advanced missiles against Iran has raised concerns about long-term munitions stockpiles. While the administration maintains readiness is intact, analysts warn that rebuilding inventories could take years, potentially affecting Pacific deterrence.
A CSIS report published Tuesday reveals significant depletion of US naval and precision strike munitions, including SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors, Precision Strike Missiles for Himars launchers, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and JASSM stealth missiles. The think tank warns that insufficient pre-war inventories would constrain US forces in a potential conflict with a peer competitor like China, where munitions consumption would be unprecedented.
A new CSIS analysis reveals the US has used at least 45% of its Precision Strike Missiles, about half of THAAD interceptors, and nearly 50% of Patriot air defence missiles during seven weeks of fighting with Iran. Analysts warn this creates a window of increased vulnerability in the western Pacific, with replenishment taking one to four years. The findings contrast with Trump's denial of any weapons shortage.
