Pentagon inks Tomahawk deal amid reports of missile shortfall

The US Department of Defense has inked a $22.9 billion deal with Raytheon for Tomahawk missiles, as reports suggest a supply shortage due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced the contract, stating it will accelerate missile delivery to warfighters at an unprecedented pace. Cao emphasized the critical importance of ensuring naval and joint forces have the necessary lethal firepower to deter aggression and protect the homeland.

The Pentagon is employing every available tool to meet the demands of current operations, Cao added. According to a recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), US stocks of Patriot and THAAD air defense missiles have been significantly reduced by the war with Iran. Before the conflict began in late February, the US possessed over 2,300 Patriot and more than 450 THAAD interceptors; however, these figures have reportedly been halved or reduced more since then.

The Washington Post recently reported that President Donald Trump questioned Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth about munitions shortages during a recent cabinet meeting, though both later denied the US was experiencing dwindling missile stocks.