US-Iran war depletes key US missiles, nearly half of Patriot and THAAD used, experts warn years needed to rebuild stockpiles, raising risk if another major conflict erupts.
It appears that President Donald Trump needs to secure a deal with Iran more than Tehran itself, as prolonged fighting has significantly depleted key missile stockpiles. A fragile pause in fighting between the United States and Iran has been extended, even as doubts remain over the next round of negotiations. The move comes at a time when questions are being raised about the state of US military resources. Recent developments suggest that the pressure of a prolonged conflict is beginning to show, particularly in terms of missile reserves.
Heavy use of key missiles
A CNN report said that the US has used a large portion of its missile stockpile during the war with Iran. According to assessments, nearly half of the Patriot air defence interceptors have already been spent. Other systems have also seen heavy use.
The findings, based on analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, show that more than half of THAAD interceptors have been used. At least 45 per cent of Precision Strike Missiles have also been expended. These numbers closely match internal Pentagon assessments shared by sources familiar with the situation.
- Patriot Missiles: almost 50% of the total stockpile depleted
- THAAD Interceptors: Over half of the inventory expended
- Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs): Over 45% of the stockpile used
Arsenal depletion
The impact is not limited to a few systems. Around 30 per cent of Tomahawk missiles have been used, along with more than 20 per cent of long-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles. Stocks of SM-3 and SM-6 missiles have also dropped by about 20 per cent.
Experts warn that this level of usage has created serious gaps in US military readiness. While the country may still have enough weapons to continue operations in the short term, the overall reserve is no longer strong enough for a major conflict elsewhere.
Risk if another war breaks out
Military experts say the situation creates a “near-term risk” if another conflict breaks out. The concern is particularly strong when it comes to facing a near-peer rival such as China. Rebuilding stockpiles to earlier levels could take years.
Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and one of the authors of the study, said the heavy use of munitions has opened a period of vulnerability, especially in the western Pacific. He added that it could take between one and four years to refill current stocks, and even longer to reach desired levels.
Missile production and delays
The Pentagon has already signed contracts to increase missile production. However, the timeline for delivery remains slow. Even with expanded manufacturing, replacing key systems could take three to five years.
The report notes that past under-ordering has made the situation worse. Current agreements with private companies are expected to help, but immediate relief is unlikely due to low short-term output.
US official response
Despite these concerns, US officials have maintained that the military remains fully capable. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the armed forces have what they need to carry out operations whenever required. He stressed that multiple missions have already been completed successfully under the current administration.
However, this stance contrasts with recent funding requests. President Trump has sought additional resources for munitions, citing the strain caused by the Iran conflict. While he has said the US is not running short, he also acknowledged the need to preserve high-end weapons.
Warnings before the war
Concerns about stockpiles were raised even before the conflict began. Senior military leaders, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, had warned that a long campaign could affect supplies, especially those supporting allies like Israel and Ukraine.
Since the war started, lawmakers have also voiced worry about the pace of usage. Some have pointed out that Iran still has significant missile and drone capabilities, which could prolong the strain on US resources.
