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Report: US Army has used nearly all long-range precision missiles in Iran war
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Conflict & Security

Report: US Army has used nearly all long-range precision missiles in Iran war

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Unnamed sources Context piece
  • The US Army has depleted nearly all its long-range precision missiles, including ATACMS and PrSM, during the five-month war with Iran.
  • This significant reduction in munitions raises concerns about US military readiness for future conflicts.
  • President Trump stated the US has ample munitions, but analysts caution about supplies for prolonged warfare.

The U.S. Army has expended almost its entire stockpile of long-range precision missiles, such as ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), during the ongoing five-month war with Iran. This critical depletion, previously unreported, raises significant concerns about the military's readiness for potential future conflicts.

The US Army has used up much of its stockpile of highly accurate long-range missiles during its five-month war with Iran, according to three people familiar with the data, raising concerns about the military's readiness for future conflicts.

— Sources familiar with the dataDescribing the depletion of long-range missiles and its implications.

According to sources familiar with the data, the U.S. has used "virtually all" of these high-cost munitions, which are crucial for accurate strikes from a safe distance. U.S.-supplied ATACMS have been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian forces, while the PrSM is a newer, more advanced replacement. The dramatic drawdown of these missiles could force President Donald Trump to rely more on riskier piloted bombing missions if large-scale attacks on Iran are resumed.

US has used 'virtually all' of these weapons

— Two of the sourcesQuantifying the extent of missile usage.

While the exact number of remaining missiles was not disclosed, sources expressed worry that the dwindling supply could undermine the U.S. ability to deter adversaries like Russia and China. A fourth source indicated that while Central Command has nearly exhausted its land-based missiles for the Middle East theater, it has been able to replenish stocks from global U.S. military supplies.

falling missile supplies could limit the US ability to deter adversaries, including Russia and China.

— Three people familiar with the matterExpressing concerns about the strategic implications of low missile stocks.

In response to inquiries, the White House issued a statement from President Trump asserting that the U.S. possesses "far more munitions than anyone in the world" and that defense companies are producing them at record levels. However, analysts concur that while production is at a high, supplies might fall short for a protracted war. Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon did not immediately comment on supply levels or Trump's statements.

America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to

— Sean ParnellPentagon spokesperson's comment on military capabilities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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