US Army's Precision Missile Stockpile Depleted by Iran War, Raising Readiness Concerns

U.S. Army stockpiles of critical long-range precision missiles have been severely depleted during the ongoing five-month war with Iran, according to sources familiar with internal data. The weapons in question include the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and the newer Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). Officials are expressing concern that this drawdown compromises U.S. readiness for potential future conflicts, particularly with major powers like Russia and China.

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virtually all

Sources indicate that "virtually all" of these munitions have been expended, a scale of use not previously reported. ATACMS, each costing over $1 million, have been instrumental in enabling strikes within Russia in support of Ukraine. The PrSM, designed as a successor to ATACMS, offers enhanced range and capabilities, which analysts deem vital for any confrontation with China. The war, launched jointly with Israel in February by President Donald Trump with predictions of a swift conclusion, is now dragging on, intensifying worries about dwindling supplies.

While the Pentagon and President Trump have dismissed these concerns, asserting that the U.S. possesses ample munitions and that defense manufacturers are rapidly increasing production, some analysts remain cautious. They acknowledge the surge in output for artillery shells and missiles but warn that current production may still fall short of sustaining a prolonged, large-scale conflict. Lockheed Martin, the maker of ATACMS and PrSM, and Raytheon, a producer of other key missiles, did not comment on the matter.

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far more munitions than anyone in the world

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the U.S. military "has everything it needs" and maintains a "deep arsenal of capabilities." However, reports from the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that PrSM stockpiles were already low, with significant orders not expected until 2027. Furthermore, ATACMS are being phased out, and other interceptors like Patriots and THAAD have also seen substantial reductions in stock since February. The expenditure of nearly half of the U.S.'s Tomahawk cruise missiles further fuels debate in Washington about the nation's capacity to sustain military operations abroad without jeopardizing its ability to respond to other global crises.

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has everything it needs