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US has used ‘virtually all’ of its long-range precision missiles during Iran war, sources say

From FBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Unnamed sources Context piece
  • The U.S. Army has depleted most of its long-range precision missile stockpile, including ATACMS and PrSM, during the five-month war with Iran.
  • This depletion raises concerns about U.S. military readiness for future conflicts and potential reliance on riskier piloted bombing missions.
  • While sources express worry, the White House stated the U.S. possesses ample munitions, and Central Command can resupply from global stockpiles.

The U.S. Army has utilized nearly its entire global inventory of highly accurate long-range missiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), during the ongoing five-month war with Iran. This significant expenditure has raised concerns among individuals familiar with the data regarding the military's readiness for subsequent conflicts. According to two sources, the U.S. has used "virtually all" of these critical weapons. The extent of this depletion of ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles had not been previously disclosed. These long-range munitions, each costing over $1 million, are vital for enabling precise strikes from secure distances, forming a key component of the U.S. military's arsenal. U.S.-supplied ATACMS have been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian forces against Russian targets. The PrSM represents a newer, more advanced replacement for the ATACMS, which have a shorter range. The dramatic reduction in these precision, long-range missiles could compel U.S. President Donald Trump to rely more heavily on riskier piloted bombing missions should he decide to escalate attacks against Iran. Sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity expressed apprehension that the dwindling missile supplies could compromise the U.S.'s ability to deter adversaries like Russia and China. However, a fourth individual familiar with the matter indicated that resupply remains possible, noting that U.S. Central Command has been able to replenish stocks from global military supplies. In response to inquiries about the stockpile data, the White House issued a statement from President Trump asserting that the U.S. possesses "far more munitions than anyone in the world" and "far more than we need."

virtually all

— SourcesDescribing the extent of the U.S. Army's usage of ATACMS and PrSM missiles.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.