The U.S. Army has expended nearly its entire supply of long-range precision missiles during the ongoing five-month conflict with Iran, according to sources familiar with the matter. The depleted munitions include Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and the newer Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), which are crucial for accurate strikes from a safe distance.
The extent of the drawdown in these specific missile stockpiles had not been previously reported. Analysts note that such weapons, costing over $1 million each, would be vital in potential conflicts with adversaries like China.
While the exact number of remaining missiles was not disclosed by sources, concerns have been raised that the dwindling supplies could undermine the U.S. ability to deter potential adversaries. One individual familiar with the situation stated that while Central Command has largely used its pre-war inventory of these land-based missiles, it has been able to replenish stocks from other global U.S. military supplies.
President Donald Trump, who initiated the war with Iran jointly with Israel in February, has publicly stated that the U.S. possesses "far more munitions than anyone in the world" and that defense companies are producing them at unprecedented levels. Defense analysts generally agree that production of certain munitions, including artillery shells and various missiles, is at record highs, but caution that these levels may be insufficient for a prolonged war.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of ATACMS and PrSM, and Raytheon, which produces Tomahawk missiles and Patriot interceptors, did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding supply levels. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell asserted that the U.S. military remains the world's most powerful and possesses all necessary capabilities.
The concerns about missile supply levels have fueled internal discussions within the Trump administration regarding the sustainability of ongoing strikes against Iran without critically reducing stockpiles needed for other potential crises.
Strategic Implications
The reliance on ATACMS and PrSM for strikes in Iran reflects a White House decision to avoid riskier tactics, such as using piloted aircraft. The strategic value of these long-range missiles is particularly noted for their utility against adversaries with robust air defenses, such as China. Reports indicate these missiles have been used against targets within Iran.
According to a March report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the PrSM, being a newer munition, had low initial stockpiles, though large orders are planned for 2027. The Army is phasing out ATACMS in favor of the PrSM.
Military leaders have reportedly warned the president for weeks about dwindling stockpiles of defensive weapons, including Patriot interceptors. Recent media reports suggest a decision not to launch further large-scale offensives into Iran was partly influenced by these warnings, though a U.S. official disputed this, attributing the decision to pressure from Gulf states.
The conflict's prosecution without explicit congressional authorization for a declaration of war or use of military force has also sparked debate.
CSIS estimates indicate that between February and July, approximately 65 percent of Patriot interceptors were expended, and U.S. stockpiles of THAAD ballistic missile interceptors decreased by at least 38 percent. The U.S. also depleted slightly less than half of its global supply of Tomahawk cruise missiles, primarily launched from naval vessels, since the war began. Raytheon has reached a tentative agreement with the Pentagon to increase Tomahawk production as part of broader efforts to rebuild munitions stockpiles.