US nearly exhausted key long-range missile stockpiles after months of Iran war, report says
The missiles reportedly include the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the newer Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), two of the US Army's primary surface-to-surface precision weapons.
Recent reports indicate the United States has largely depleted its stockpile of advanced long-range missiles following a five-month military campaign against Iran, raising questions about the nation's preparedness for future conflicts, according to Reuters. These missiles include the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), two key surface-to-surface weapons employed by the US Army.
The exact number of remaining missiles in US inventories has not been disclosed. ATACMS and PrSM missiles, each costing over $1 million, allow the US military to strike targets accurately from a safe distance. These precision-guided munitions have also been instrumental in Ukraine's war, enabling Ukrainian forces to target areas inside Russia.
The sharp decline in these munitions could prompt President Donald Trump to rely more on piloted bombing missions if he orders another large-scale military operation against Iran. The sources did not provide specific figures on the remaining missile stockpiles. While ATACMS and PrSM missiles were expected to be sufficient for a brief conflict, their dwindling availability has raised concerns about America's capacity to deter other global rivals like China and Russia.
The White House spokesperson dismissed concerns over shortages, stating that the US possesses the largest arsenal of munitions globally, with production expanding at unprecedented rates. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also affirmed the military's readiness and capability to execute operations as directed by the President. While analysts acknowledge record levels of production for certain weapons systems, they caution that manufacturing may not keep pace if the US engages in a prolonged conflict.
The data on declining missile inventories has prompted discussions within the Trump administration about the extent to which the US can sustain strikes against Iran without compromising its ability to respond to other crises.
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