According to sources familiar with the situation, the U.S. Army has nearly depleted its stockpile of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) during the five-month war with Iran.
This depletion is alarming as these munitions are crucial for conducting accurate strikes from a distance, which is particularly important in conflicts against nations with strong air defenses. The report indicates that the U.S. has used 'virtually all' of these missiles, which cost over $1 million each, raising questions about the military's capacity to deter future threats.
While President Trump claimed that the U.S. has more munitions than needed, analysts caution that the current production levels may not suffice for prolonged engagements. The Army is transitioning from ATACMS to the newer PrSM, but initial stockpiles of PrSM were already low.
The ongoing conflict has also led to a significant drawdown of defensive systems like Patriot interceptors and THAAD, with estimates suggesting that 65% of Patriot interceptors have been expended. This situation has sparked internal debates within the Trump administration regarding military strategy and the potential need for congressional authorization for continued military actions.
As the U.S. military seeks to replenish its stockpiles, companies like Raytheon are working to increase production of critical munitions, including Tomahawk missiles, to ensure readiness for future conflicts