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U.S. Critical Weapons Stockpiles Could Be Depleted Five Weeks Into Iran War, Analysts Claim
Researchers said 11,294 munitions were fired in 16 days, and some THAAD, ATACMS and Precision Strike Missile stocks could be exhausted by mid-April.
- Analysts warn U.S. stockpiles of advanced air defense interceptors and ground-attack missiles could run dry in weeks if fighting with Iran continues. Royal United Services Institute commentary published on Tuesday indicates Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors may deplete by April 17.
- The coalition expended 11,294 munitions during the initial 16 days of the war, with roughly 5,000 fired in the first four days alone. Researchers estimate replenishing these stocks at speed would cost $50 billion.
- Restocking air defense systems requires about 8,800 pounds of tungsten, a metal for which China controls over 80% of the global supply. Pentagon records show at least 328 PrSM missiles manufactured in the last two years.
- Given that Iran has damaged at least a dozen allied radars and satellite terminals, using 10 or 11 interceptors for one missile or 8 Patriot missiles for one drone becomes unsustainable, the researchers wrote. This implies accepting greater risk for aircraft and tolerating more missile and drone 'leakers' damaging forces.
- Researchers urged building a 'patchwork shield' by layering cheaper and more advanced air defenses. "Command of the commons remains necessary, but Epic Fury demonstrates it is increasingly insufficient without 'Command of the Reload'," they wrote.
26 Articles
26 Articles
The US military needs Trump's defense budget
Before and after the United States began its current action against Iran, commentators claimed that the operation would overstretch the U.S. military. They raised concerns about weakening deterrence and readiness against China. But deterrence rests on credibility. If the U.S. lacks the munitions required to sustain even a lower-grade conflict, its warnings carry less weight. This is why the complaints about depleted ammunition stocks miss the la…
A specialist in nuclear issues, sanctions and power dynamics in Tehran, and director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group, Ali Vaez deciphers the conflict led by the United States and the Hebrew state since the end of February, their errors of analysis and potential exit gates.
INFOGRAPHY - The two armies consume massively their stocks of high-tech ammunition. After a month of conflict, some are already almost exhausted. A problem that also concerns France, on the front line in the United Arab Emirates.
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