Pentagon inks Tomahawk deal amid reports of missile shortfall

The Pentagon has secured a $22.9 billion contract with Raytheon for Tomahawk missiles, amid reports of a shortfall in missile stocks resulting from the war with Iran. Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated that this contract will accelerate the delivery of Tomahawk missiles to warfighters at an unprecedented speed, ensuring that naval and joint forces possess the lethal firepower needed to deter aggression and protect the homeland.

Cao emphasized that the Department is employing every available tool to meet the demands of current operations. An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed that US stocks of Patriot and THAAD air defense missiles have been significantly reduced due to the conflict with Iran. Prior to the war's initiation in late February, the US had over 2,300 Patriot interceptors and more than 450 THAAD interceptors.

However, these figures have reportedly been halved or more since the war's onset. The Washington Post recently reported that President Donald Trump had questioned Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth about munitions shortages during a recent cabinet meeting, though both later denied the US was facing dwindling missile stocks. Tomahawk missiles are primarily launched from submarines and warships and possess a range exceeding 1,600 kilometers.