US Military Nearly Exhausts Long-Range Precision Missiles Amid Iran Conflict

The US military has depleted a significant portion of its long-range precision missile stockpile during the five-month conflict with Iran, raising concerns about readiness for future confrontations, according to three sources cited by Reuters on Tuesday. The majority of the used munitions are ground-to-ground ATACMS missiles and the newer Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), with the US reportedly having used "almost all" of these weapons. This level of depletion has not been previously reported.

Long-range ammunition is a critical part of the US arsenal, enabling precise strikes from a safe distance. ATACMS missiles have been pivotal in Ukraine's war efforts, allowing Kyiv to target locations inside Russia, while the PrSM is a more advanced missile intended to replace the shorter-range ATACMS. Analysts emphasize that such costly weapons, exceeding one million dollars each, will be vital in any potential conflict with China. However, the exact remaining quantities of these munitions remain undisclosed.

The conflict began in late February under President Donald Trump, who anticipated a short engagement alongside Israel. As the war has dragged on, officials express worry that dwindling missile supplies could limit the US's deterrence capabilities against rivals like Russia and China. A fourth source noted that while US Central Command (CENTCOM) nearly exhausted its missile inventory, it replenished stocks from other global US military reserves.

In response, the White House stated that the US possesses "far more ammunition than anyone else in the world" and is producing munitions at unprecedented rates, with defense companies expanding facilities and output. Nonetheless, analysts warn that despite record production of some munitions, overall supplies may fall short for a prolonged war. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, key manufacturers of these missiles and related defense systems, did not comment on supply levels or presidential statements.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell affirmed the US military's strength and readiness to operate globally as directed by the president. Internal government discussions have recently focused on how long the US can sustain strikes in Iran without critically depleting stockpiles needed for other crises. Officials revealed that the reduction in ATACMS and PrSM stocks reflects a strategic choice to avoid riskier attack methods, such as manned bombing runs.

Additionally, missile defense systems like Patriot and THAAD interceptors, crucial against ballistic threats, have also seen significant usage, with estimates showing a 65% consumption of Patriot interceptors and a 38% reduction in THAAD stocks since February. The US has also used nearly half of its global Tomahawk cruise missile inventory, launched mainly from naval vessels. Raytheon has agreements to increase Tomahawk production as the Pentagon seeks to rebuild its munitions reserves. The ongoing conflict has sparked debate over presidential authority to conduct military strikes without Congressional approval, with no formal war declarations or authorizations requested so far.