US Army Nears Depletion of Key Long-Range Missiles Amid Iran Conflict, Sources Say

The United States Army has expended much of its inventory of high-precision, long-range missiles during the five-month war with Iran, according to three sources familiar with the data. This rapid drawdown raises significant concerns about the U.S. military's readiness for potential future conflicts.

Key Stockpiles Critically Low

The munitions in question are primarily the Army's premier surface-to-surface weapons: the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and the newer Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). Two sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, stated that the U.S. has used "virtually all" of these missiles. The extent of the depletion, which has not been previously reported, affects weapons critical for striking targets accurately from a safe distance.

These systems, which can cost over $1 million per missile, are considered vital for any potential conflict with a near-peer adversary like China. The PrSM is the advanced successor to the ATACMS, which is being phased out. A fourth source noted that while the U.S. Central Command has nearly exhausted its pre-war supply of these land-based missiles, it has been able to resupply from U.S. stockpiles in other regions.

Broader Arsenal Under Strain

The strain on U.S. munitions extends beyond the Army's long-range missiles, affecting key defensive and naval assets. A recent report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and information from sources indicate significant usage of other critical systems:

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• Patriot interceptors: An estimated 65% of these defensive missiles were expended between February and July.
• THAAD interceptors: Stockpiles of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system are at least 38% lower than at the start of the war.
• Tomahawk cruise missiles: The U.S. has used just under half of its global supply of these ship-launched missiles, according to one source.

These defensive systems, produced by Raytheon, a unit of RTX (RTX), are essential for intercepting incoming ballistic missiles. The Tomahawk is the Navy's primary weapon for striking heavily defended targets without risking aircraft and pilots.

Official Response and Production Challenges

When asked for comment, the White House issued a statement from President Donald Trump asserting the U.S. had "far more munitions than anyone in the world" and that defense companies are producing them at record levels. Lockheed Martin (LMT), the manufacturer of ATACMS and PrSM, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that America's military "has everything it needs to execute" and possesses a "deep arsenal of capabilities." However, analysts caution that while production of certain munitions has increased, it may fall short of the requirements for a prolonged, high-intensity conflict. Raytheon has reportedly reached a tentative agreement with the Pentagon to boost Tomahawk production as Washington works to rebuild its depleted stockpiles.