The United States has significantly depleted its critical weapons stockpiles due to its ongoing conflict with Iran, which commenced on 28 February. The Pentagon has expended over 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles and more than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles, alongside approximately 1,100 stealth cruise missiles originally earmarked for a potential conflict with China.
Missile Usage and Inventory
Internal estimates indicate that around 1,100 JASSM-ER missiles have been utilised, leaving only 1,500 in inventory. Experts caution that replenishing these supplies could take years, affecting US military readiness across multiple theatres.
Financial Impact
The conflict has incurred an estimated cost of between $25 billion and $35 billion for the United States. The Pentagon is currently awaiting congressional approval for additional funding to procure new munitions.
Global Implications
This depletion has impacted US defensive capabilities on Nato’s eastern flank and operations in the Pacific, including the redeployment of Patriot missiles from South Korea. However, a White House spokesperson has disputed the claims regarding the severity of the shortages.
