The U.S. munitions inventory has been significantly depleted following a 39-day air campaign against Iran, raising concerns about preparedness for future conflicts, particularly against adversaries like China. A CSIS report indicates that while current operations are not constrained, long-term readiness is weakened. Key long-range precision fires, such as the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), saw over 1,000 units each expended, representing a substantial portion of available theater stocks. The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a newer system, also saw 40-70 units used from a small initial inventory. Delivery times for these critical munitions average around four years, exacerbating resupply challenges and impacting allied capacity-building efforts, such as delayed TLAM deliveries to Japan. The heavy reliance on these systems, crucial for standoff capabilities against robust air defenses, underscores an urgent need for faster procurement and production to meet future demand, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
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