US Faces Years-Long Shortage of Long-Range Precision Missiles After Iran Conflict

The recent conflict between the United States and Iran has severely depleted the US military's stockpile of long-range precision strike missiles, raising concerns about readiness for future conflicts. German defense giant Rheinmetall's CEO Armin Papperger warned that replenishing these missile inventories, including the ground-to-ground ATACMS missiles produced jointly with Lockheed Martin, will take several years despite production plans starting next year.

Reports indicate that the US consumed a significant portion of its ATACMS and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) stocks during five months of fighting with Iran. These missiles are critical for striking deep enemy targets without risking aircraft, especially in early conflict stages when enemy air defenses remain active. Former Israeli Navy Commander Eliezer Marom highlighted that the US faces a global strategic challenge, particularly with China, and that depleted missile stocks could force more risky air strikes.

Alternatives like Tomahawk cruise missiles, launched from ships and submarines, have also seen substantial use, with the US reportedly using nearly half its global Tomahawk inventory in the Iran conflict. Additionally, regional political constraints limit the US ability to deploy ground launchers from allied countries, further complicating replenishment and operational flexibility.

Papperger emphasized that increasing production capacity involves long-term infrastructure and workforce expansion, not just funding, and warned that restoring missile stockpiles will take much longer than two years. Marom called for a thorough review of the assumptions behind current stockpile levels, questioning their adequacy for potential future conflicts, such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. He also noted that Israel faces similar challenges with interceptor missile shortages and limited production capacity.

US President Donald Trump downplayed concerns, asserting that ammunition supplies remain nearly unlimited, though acknowledging some reductions. The situation underscores the strategic importance of missile inventories and the complexities involved in maintaining military readiness amid ongoing and future global threats.