The U.S. Is Concerned About the Rapid Depletion of Missile Stocks Due to the War with Iran — CBS News
Concerns have arisen within U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration over the rapid rate at which interceptor missiles and precision-guided weapons are being used in combat operations against Iran. U.S. officials warn that the defense industry may not be able to keep up with replenishing weapons stocks.
CBS News reports this, citing U.S. military and intelligence officials. According to the report, the U.S. will not be able to sustain the current rate of consumption of precision-guided munitions for an extended period. Of greatest concern is the depletion of missile stocks for the Patriot and THAAD air defense systems, which are being actively used to repel Iranian attacks.
Due to the ammunition shortage, the Pentagon is forced to redeploy missiles from other regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific, which could affect U.S. readiness for a potential confrontation with China over Taiwan.
To reduce the consumption of long-range weapons, the U.S. military is increasingly using cheaper munitions, such as air bombs equipped with JDAM guidance kits and GMLRS guided rockets. At the same time, they are trying to limit the use of Tomahawk and JASSM missiles.
According to estimates by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the U.S. has already used more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles and about 1,100 JASSM missiles during operations against Iran. It could take up to four years to replenish these stocks, and up to five years to produce new missiles for air defense systems.
At the same time, the Pentagon denies reports of a crisis in weapons stockpiles. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagseth stated that the country is expanding its arsenals, and Department spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that U.S. troops have the necessary resources to carry out their missions.
Amid the escalating situation in the Middle East, the U.S. continues to prepare for a possible further intensification of military pressure on Iran.
Source: CBS News.
As a reminder, Trump threatened to strike Iran’s bridges and power plants.
Trump stated that Putin and Xi had promised not to supply weapons to Iran.
