The US military has nearly exhausted its supply of two types of long-range precision missiles during operations against Iran, according to 毎日新聞. The depletion is reportedly linked to a strategy aimed at minimizing US troop casualties.
Citing reports from Japanese outlets including 日本経済新聞 and 読売新聞, the US forces have used up "almost all" of two specific missile categories in the conflict. CNN, as relayed by TBS NEWS DIG, reported that the US consumed roughly 80% of its THAAD interceptor missiles and about half of its Patriot interceptor missiles during the campaign.
The scale of the expenditure has raised concerns among military officials about a potential decline in US deterrence capability, particularly regarding China. 読売新聞 noted that the near-total use of these missile types could undermine Washington's ability to project force in other regions. CNN, cited via Yahoo! News, quoted a senior military officer describing the consumption level as "dangerous."
The reports suggest the missile shortage may have influenced decisions to halt large-scale attacks. The exact timeline of the operations and the specific number of missiles fired were not detailed in the available reporting.
The situation highlights a broader strategic challenge: the high cost of precision-strike warfare against a capable adversary like Iran. While the US military has prioritized protecting its personnel, the logistical strain of sustained operations is becoming a visible factor in its force posture.
What to watch next is whether the US military adjusts its rules of engagement or accelerates missile production to rebuild stockpiles, and how this depletion affects its commitments in the Indo-Pacific region.
