The United States may have depleted about half of its Patriot interceptor missile inventory during the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a new assessment. This really highlights how even just a few weeks of military operations can put a serious strain on crucial ammunition supplies.
While the U.S. still possesses sufficient firepower for current operations, analysts are sounding alarms about the risks of future engagements. A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) pointed out that in a recent 39-day air and missile campaign, the military utilized a significant portion of its key weapons. This includes over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 1,000 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM). The estimate of used Patriot interceptor missiles is around 1,060 to 1,430, which represents more than half of the U.S. stockpile before the conflict began.
The precise figures on U.S. munitions remain classified, and the report’s findings are based on estimates from Pentagon budget documents and historical procurement data.
As tensions with Iran escalate, President Trump is mobilizing defense authorities to significantly boost weapons production. Other advanced military systems have also suffered under heavy use. Estimates suggest that the U.S. expended 190 to 290 Terminal High Altitude Defense interceptors, each around $15.5 million, along with 130 to 250 SM-3 interceptors priced at about $28.7 million each. The Navy’s SM-6 missiles, costing around $5.3 million apiece, also saw considerable action, with an estimated 190 to 370 fired.
Long-range attack systems used in these conflicts are similarly pricey. Tomahawk land-attack missiles are about $2.6 million each, and the new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) costs approximately $1.6 million each, albeit used less frequently—around 40 to 70 were launched.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s spokesperson, dismissed claims of ammunition shortages. He stated, “The U.S. military is the most powerful in the world, and we have everything the president needs.” He emphasized that less than 10 percent of the naval power was required to maintain control in the Strait of Hormuz. Since Trump took office, multiple successful operations have showcased the military’s capabilities. Parnell criticized any notion that the U.S. does not have sufficient resources as misinformed.
A Navy official pointed out that the Navy is making aggressive moves to enhance its ammunition stockpile, reflected in a $22.6 billion budget request for FY27 aimed at funding over 4,600 attacks. They are significantly increasing production of critical systems, including the Standard Missile and Tomahawk. The military is working closely with defense contractors to facilitate production and overcome barriers, which could help stabilize supply availability.
This latest budget request emphasizes urgency. The administration is looking for around $70 billion in military supplies for fiscal year 2027—nearly triple the current funding—to restock after intense usage during conflicts involving Iran and Ukraine. Key systems targeted for replenishment include Tomahawk missiles and interceptor missiles.
According to Lt. Gen. James Adams, the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Iran still maintains a vast arsenal of missiles and drones. He noted that despite a substantial reduction in Iran’s military capabilities due to recent coalition actions, Tehran continues to pose a threat with its one-way attack drones.
Despite the high expenditures, the U.S. is still able to conduct operations effectively. The military has reportedly shifted from using expensive long-range missiles to more affordable and abundant options, such as joint direct attack munitions and short-range weapons. Yet, the worry is what the future holds.
Before the conflict, the precision weapons stockpile was already considered inadequate for a large-scale confrontation, particularly with a country like China. The recent depletion of these stocks exacerbates this concern. Future military engagements may necessitate continuous reliance on these costly missiles, which are currently being consumed at an alarming rate.
Rebuilding these inventories will likely take years; many of the systems have delivery times ranging from three to five years, taking into account the production limitations and contract delays. This timing is critical, especially as global demand for these systems continues to grow, with U.S. allies also seeking to enhance their missile defenses.
In response to these pressing demands, the Trump administration is pushing for a swift expansion of munition manufacturing. Companies like Lockheed Martin plan to ramp up Patriot interceptor production from about 600 annually to 2,000 by the end of 2010. RTX aims to boost Tomahawk production significantly as well.
However, experts caution that even with increased funding and production, the defense sector may still struggle to rapidly replace the weapons that have been used. Concerns had already been raised about ammunition stockpiles following extensive military aid to Ukraine. In 2025, some air defense missile shipments to Ukraine were halted after a review revealed that certain munitions were significantly depleted.
This situation is starting to affect U.S. allies in Europe. Officials have indicated that some contracted arms deliveries could be postponed as the ongoing conflict strains American resources. Leaders from Estonia and Lithuania have noted changes in delivery schedules, mentioning that some ammunition shipments are on hold.
A European defense official warned that if delivery issues persist, allies might reconsider future U.S. arms purchases. Production bottlenecks have been a longstanding issue, with significant backlogs in arms sales to Taiwan causing delays in deployments.
During the conflict, certain components of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system have been shifted from South Korea to the Middle East. This move highlights the balancing act faced by U.S. strategists when reallocating limited high-end defense resources.
The mounting challenge for U.S. defense planners is clear: sustain ongoing military efforts while gearing up for the possibility of larger-scale wars in the future.
