The U.S. military has exhausted virtually all of its long-range surface-to-surface munitions, including Army Tactical Missile Systems and newer Precision Strike Missiles, during its five-month conflict with Iran, according to three people familiar with internal data. The drawdown of these high-precision weapons, which cost over $1 million each, has triggered internal warnings from military officials over future defense readiness should another major conflict erupt with adversaries like China or Russia.
Depletion of Long-Range Missile Stockpiles in the Middle East
The U.S. Army has burned through nearly its entire inventory of ATACMS and PrSM munitions, according to two sources familiar with the deployment numbers. These weapons allow forces to strike targets safely from a distance, minimizing the need for piloted aircraft to drop bombs over heavily defended hostile territory. A fourth source familiar with the matter noted that while Central Command has nearly exhausted the land-based missiles it held prior to the outbreak of the war in February, it has managed to reload supplies from other military depots around the globe. President Donald Trump and Israel launched the joint military campaign earlier this year, initially anticipating a short engagement.
Defensive Interceptor Levels Face Steep Declines
Offensive missile shortages are matched by reductions in critical defensive shields. According to a recent report published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, approximately 65% of Patriot interceptors were expended between February and July. Furthermore, the report estimated that THAAD ballistic missile interceptors dropped at least 38% lower than pre-war inventory levels. Two sources confirmed that these estimates match internal U.S. data circulating inside the federal government. Additionally, one source reported that the U.S. has burned through a little less than half of its global supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles since the beginning of hostilities.
Did you know?
According to CSIS data, PrSM stockpiles were already relatively low at the start of the conflict because it is a newer munition designed to eventually replace the ATACMS.
Production Capacity and Official Responses
Defense contractors are racing to ramp up manufacturing lines, though analysts caution that output may lag behind wartime consumption. White House statements issued on behalf of President Trump maintain that the country holds far more munitions than anyone else globally. “Our defense companies are, at this moment, making more munitions than they have ever made before, in addition to expanding their plants and equipment at record levels,” Trump said in the statement. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell echoed that confidence, stating that the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect national interests. Meanwhile, major manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Raytheon did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding current supply levels or manufacturing timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ATACMS and PrSM missiles?
ATACMS stands for Army Tactical Missile Systems, while PrSM represents the Precision Strike Missiles designed to replace them. Both are surface-to-surface long-range weapons utilized for accurate strikes from safe distances.
How have defensive stockpiles been affected?
Data from the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that roughly 65% of Patriot interceptors and at least 38% of THAAD ballistic missile interceptors were expended between February and July.
What do critics say about production rates?
While defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are increasing manufacturing output, analysts warn that current production levels may fall short of what is required for a prolonged conflict.
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