Deficit Becomes Catastrophic: Iran Left the US Almost Without Missiles

The US has used up nearly all of its long-range ATACMS and PrSM missiles in the war with Iran, Reuters reports. This could force Trump to rely more on manned aircraft and weaken deterrence against Russia and China. The White House denies the shortage, citing increased production.

During the military campaign against Iran that began in February, the US has expended nearly its entire stockpile of long-range precision missiles ATACMS and PrSM, Reuters reports, citing informed sources. These are ground-to-ground missiles costing over a million dollars each. Information about such a significant reduction in the arsenal had not been previously disclosed. The sharp reduction in stocks could force President Donald Trump to use manned aircraft more often in case operations against Iran resume, which involves greater risk. Three agency sources believe the missile shortage could negatively affect US capabilities to deter Russia and China. A fourth source noted that part of the weaponry was replenished by transfers from other arsenals. The White House, speaking on behalf of Trump, stated that the US is not experiencing a munitions shortage and that the defense industry is ramping up production at record rates. Military experts, however, doubt the sufficiency of stocks for a prolonged large-scale conflict. Earlier, Kursor reported that the US interceptor arsenal had shrunk from over four hundred to about 90 missiles.