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🇳🇵 Nepal /Conflict & Security

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

From Kathmandu Post · () 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 missiles, including ATACMS and PrSM, during the five-month war with Iran, sources report.
  • This depletion raises concerns about U.S. military readiness for potential future conflicts with adversaries like Russia and China.
  • While the White House claims sufficient munitions, analysts caution that production levels might not meet the demands of a prolonged war.

The U.S. Army has expended nearly all of its long-range precision missiles, such as the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and the newer Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), during the ongoing five-month conflict with Iran. This significant depletion, previously unreported, is causing concern among military officials and analysts regarding the nation's readiness for future large-scale conflicts.

virtually all

— sourcesDescribing the extent to which the U.S. Army has used its long-range precision missiles.

These long-range munitions are critical for the U.S. military's ability to conduct accurate strikes from safe distances. U.S.-supplied ATACMS have been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian forces against Russian targets, and the PrSM is slated to replace the ATACMS. The potential scarcity of such high-cost weapons, each exceeding $1 million, could impact deterrence capabilities against major adversaries like Russia and China.

Sources familiar with the matter expressed worry about the falling missile supplies limiting the U.S. ability to deter potential adversaries. While one source indicated that Central Command has been able to replenish some of its land-based missile stocks from global military supplies, the overall picture suggests a substantial drawdown.

far more munitions than anyone in the world

— President Donald TrumpStating the U.S. has ample ammunition in response to concerns about missile supplies.

In response to inquiries about the stockpile data, the White House issued a statement from President Donald Trump asserting that the U.S. possesses "far more munitions than anyone in the world." He also highlighted that defense companies are increasing production to unprecedented levels. However, analysts concur that while production is at record highs for certain munitions, it may still fall short of what is required for a protracted war.

far more than we need

— President Donald TrumpFurther emphasizing the U.S. possesses sufficient munitions.
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Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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