The U.S. Army has depleted much of its stockpile of highly accurate, long-range missiles, including Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), during its five-month conflict with Iran, according to three individuals familiar with the data. This drawdown has generated concerns about the military’s readiness for future conflicts.
Sources indicated that the U.S. has utilized "virtually all" of these specific long-range munitions. The extent of this depletion has not been previously reported. These missiles are critical for the military's arsenal, enabling precise strikes from a safe distance. ATACMS missiles, supplied by the U.S., have been instrumental in Ukraine's defense, allowing Ukrainian forces to target locations within Russia. The PrSM is a newer, more advanced missile designed to replace the shorter-range ATACMS.
Analysts suggest that such munitions, each costing over $1 million, would also be vital in a potential conflict with China. The sources declined to provide specific numbers on the remaining missile quantities.
President Donald Trump initiated the war with Iran jointly with Israel in February, with an expectation of a swift conclusion. However, as the conflict continues, sources expressed apprehension that the dwindling missile supplies could compromise the U.S. ability to deter adversaries like Russia and China.
One individual familiar with the situation stated that while U.S. Central Command, responsible for forces in the Middle East, has nearly exhausted its pre-war land-based missile inventory, it has been able to replenish stocks from other global U.S. military supplies. The individuals who provided information for this report spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The White House, in response to a request for comment on the stockpile figures, released a statement from Trump asserting that the U.S. possesses "far more munitions than anyone in the world" and "far more than we need." Trump also stated that American defense companies are currently producing munitions and expanding facilities at unprecedented levels.
While some analysts concur that production of certain munitions, including artillery shells and various missiles, is at record highs, they caution that these levels may fall short of what is required for an extended war.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of ATACMS and PrSM missiles, did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding supply levels or Trump's statements. Raytheon, which produces Tomahawk missiles and Patriot interceptors, also did not immediately comment.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, "America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing. We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests."
Discussions regarding the U.S. capacity to sustain strikes against Iran without significantly diminishing its stockpile have been ongoing within the federal government. These conversations are occurring amidst concerns about limiting the military's ability to respond to other potential crises.
The drawdown of ATACMS and PrSM stockpiles reflects a strategic decision to avoid riskier attack methods, such as employing piloted aircraft, according to one source. The precision and long-range capabilities of these missiles make them valuable in scenarios involving adversaries with robust air defenses, such as China. Reports indicate these missiles have been used to strike targets within Iran.
According to a March report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), PrSM stockpiles were initially low due to its status as a relatively new munition, though the Army has placed substantial orders for 2027. The Army is phasing out ATACMS, shifting production to the newer PrSM missiles.
Military leaders have reportedly cautioned the president for weeks about dwindling stocks of defensive weapons, including Patriot interceptors. Recent media reports suggest that Trump's decision to forgo further large-scale operations in Iran was partly influenced by military advisors' warnings about U.S. stockpile levels. However, a U.S. official disputed these accounts, attributing the decision to pressure from Gulf states.
The conflict in the Middle East has also intensified debate over the president's authority to conduct hostilities against Iran without congressional authorization, as no formal declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force has been sought.
CSIS estimates suggest that between February and July, approximately 65% of Patriot interceptors were expended, and the number of THAAD ballistic missile interceptors in U.S. stockpiles decreased by at least 38% since the war's commencement. Both Patriot and THAAD systems are crucial for detecting and intercepting incoming missiles.
Two sources confirmed that these figures align with internal U.S. data, though Reuters could not independently verify the supply numbers. Additionally, one source reported that the U.S. has consumed slightly less than half of its global Tomahawk cruise missile supply, primarily launched from naval vessels, since the war began.