War with Iran depletes US weapons stockpiles: unusual pressure at the Pentagon - and Trump at the center
The war with Iran has depleted a significant portion of the US stockpile of interceptors and ammunition. The Pentagon is demanding that the industry accelerate production within weeks, but funding is stalled in Congress. In the first month, more than 850 Tomahawk missiles, 1,000 interceptors, and 1,300 ballistic missiles were launched. The shortage increased risk to forces and influenced White House considerations, creating tension between Trump and the Pentagon.
The war with Iran has depleted a significant portion of the US stockpile of interceptors and ammunition, according to a new report. The Pentagon is demanding that defense industries accelerate production within weeks, but the necessary funding is still stalled in Congress. Already in the first month of the war, the US launched more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles, more than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptors, and more than 1,300 tactical ballistic missiles. The depletion of defense systems increased the risk to American forces and influenced White House considerations regarding expanding strikes. The shortage became a focal point of tension between President Trump and the Department of Defense, with Trump claiming that the US has "massive quantities" of ammunition. The Pentagon has signed framework agreements with established and young defense companies to expand the stockpile, but these agreements are not binding without congressional funding. Among the systems considered for accelerated procurement: Next Generation Interceptor, NASAMS, mobile radar systems, pilot training systems, and space-based systems. The message: the war demonstrated how quickly a large arsenal can be eroded, but without additional budgeting, the move remains on paper.