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.
The US has used over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles and 1,500-2,000 air defense interceptors in the war with Iran, with full replenishment potentially taking six years. This has sparked concerns about Washington's ability to defend Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion, though officials say no imminent conflict is expected and Xi Jinping is preparing for a summit with Trump in Beijing next month.
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.
