ByREUTERS

AUGUST 4, 2026 16:35

The US military has depleted a large share of its accurate long-range missile inventory during the five-month conflict with Iran, based on information from three individuals aware of the figures, sparking worries over readiness for future operations.

These weapons consist mainly of the Army's surface-to-surface systems called Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). The US has expended nearly the entire supply of both types, according to two of the sources.

The extent of the depletion in ATACMS and PrSM inventories has not been disclosed before now.

These long-range munitions, each costing over one million dollars, form a vital element of the arsenal by enabling precise strikes from beyond enemy reach. US-provided ATACMS have been central in Ukraine for hitting targets within Russia. The PrSM represents an upgraded successor with greater range that is set to supplant the older ATACMS.

Such a sharp reduction in precision long-range missiles could compel President Donald Trump to depend more heavily on riskier manned aircraft missions if large-scale strikes against Iran are renewed.

The sources would not disclose remaining quantities of either missile type.

Trump initiated the joint campaign with Israel in February expecting a brief operation.

With the fighting continuing, the three individuals voiced concern that shrinking missile reserves might constrain US capacity to deter rivals such as Russia and China.

A fourth individual noted that while US Central Command has nearly exhausted its pre-war land-based missile holdings, it has drawn replacements from stockpiles in other global locations.

All sources spoke anonymously.

In response to queries on the figures, the White House released a statement from Trump asserting that the US possesses far greater munitions stocks than any other nation and more than required.

Defense firms are currently manufacturing munitions at unprecedented rates while also expanding facilities and equipment rapidly, Trump added.

Production Rises Yet May Not Suffice for Extended Conflict

Experts acknowledge that output of certain items including artillery rounds and multiple missile types has reached record highs but warn that volumes could prove inadequate for a drawn-out war.

Lockheed Martin, producer of the ATACMS, PrSM and THAAD systems, offered no immediate reply to questions regarding the statements or inventory levels. Raytheon, maker of Tomahawk and Patriot weapons, likewise provided no response.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the US military remains the world's strongest and holds all necessary capabilities to act at the time and location chosen by the President while sustaining a robust arsenal for defense of national interests.

The supply data have been discussed within government circles amid recent deliberations over how long strikes on Iran can continue before reserves drop to levels that impair responses to other contingencies.

Alerts on Shrinking Munitions Reserves

One source indicated the drawdown of ATACMS and PrSM stocks stemmed from an administration preference to sidestep riskier piloted aircraft strikes on Iranian targets.

Analysts note these standoff weapons would prove especially useful against adversaries with robust air defenses such as China, and they have already been employed against targets inside Iran per a March CSIS assessment.

The report observed that PrSM stocks began at low levels due to the system's recent introduction, though large orders are planned for 2027. The Army has confirmed the phase-out of ATACMS in favor of expanded PrSM production.

Military leaders have cautioned the president for weeks about declining defensive munitions including Patriot interceptors, according to two sources. Several outlets reported last week that Trump opted against another major offensive partly due to these stockpile warnings.

One US official countered that the decision reflected pressure from Gulf nations instead.

The conflict has prompted debate over Trump's authority to conduct operations against Iran absent congressional approval, with no war declaration or authorization request submitted to lawmakers.

Defensive Munitions Supplies Also Declining

A recent CSIS study estimated that roughly 65 percent of Patriot interceptors were used between February and July and that THAAD interceptor stocks fell by at least 38 percent since the war began. Both systems rank among the most capable for countering ballistic threats.

Although Reuters has not reviewed the supply data directly, two sources confirmed the figures align with internal records.

The US has also consumed nearly half its worldwide Tomahawk inventory since the conflict started, one source reported.

Reuters could not confirm that figure independently.

The Tomahawk serves as the Navy's primary ship- and submarine-launched option for striking defended targets without endangering aircrews.

Raytheon, part of RTX, has reached a preliminary multi-year pact with the Pentagon to increase Tomahawk output along with other munitions as efforts to replenish reserves accelerate.