DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Conflict & Security

US Army Reportedly Depleted Long-Range Missile Stocks After 5 Months of Iran War

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The U.S. Army has reportedly depleted its entire stock of long-range missiles, including ATACMS and PrSM, after five months of conflict with Iran.
  • This depletion raises concerns within the Pentagon about the U.S. military's readiness to face potential near-term conflicts with adversaries like Russia and China.
  • Despite reports of depleted stocks, President Trump stated the U.S. has more ammunition than anyone, and defense companies are increasing production to record levels.

The U.S. Army has reportedly exhausted its entire supply of long-range surface-to-surface missiles, specifically the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), following five months of conflict with Iran. This revelation, citing three sources familiar with arms stock data, has heightened concerns within the Pentagon regarding the nation's preparedness for potential future conflicts.

The U.S. Army has used all of its long-range surface-to-surface missiles, known as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), according to three sources familiar with the arms stock data.

โ€” Reuters (citing sources)Reporting on the depletion of U.S. Army long-range missile stocks.

Long-range munitions are critical for military operations, enabling accurate strikes from a safe distance. The ATACMS, for instance, played a significant role in supporting Ukraine's targeting of Russian territory. The PrSM, a newer generation missile intended to replace the ATACMS, has a shorter range but is considered a key component of future U.S. military strategy. Analysts suggest these missiles, each costing approximately $1 million, would be vital in a potential conflict with China.

While the exact remaining quantities of ATACMS and PrSM are undisclosed, sources indicate that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has utilized nearly all its stock since the war began. One source suggested that missile stocks might be replenished through transfers from other global regions. However, the overall depletion raises questions about the U.S.'s ability to deter adversaries like Russia and China, especially given President Donald Trump's initial prediction of a swift conflict with Iran.

The U.S. has more munitions than anyone in this world and more than needed.

โ€” Donald TrumpPresident Trump's statement regarding U.S. ammunition levels.

In response to inquiries about missile stock data, the White House released a statement quoting President Trump, who asserted that the U.S. possesses "more munitions than anyone in this world" and "more than needed." He further stated that U.S. defense companies are producing munitions at record levels and expanding their facilities. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of ATACMS and PrSM, and Raytheon, which produces Tomahawk and Patriot missiles, have not immediately responded to requests for comment. A Pentagon spokesperson affirmed the U.S. military's strength and capability to execute operations as directed by the President.

Our defense companies, at this time, are making more munitions than they ever have before, and also expanding the factories and the equipment at a record level of new output.

โ€” Donald TrumpPresident Trump on the production capacity of U.S. defense companies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.