A new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) details the severe depletion of U.S. advanced weapons stockpiles following the 39-day war with Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury. The U.S. expended so many key offensive and defensive weapons that rebuilding some stocks to pre-war levels will take three or more years.
This includes over 1,000 Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAMs), 190-290 THAAD interceptors, and 1,060-1,430 Patriot interceptors. Additionally, up to 250 Standard Missile-3s (SM-3), 190-370 Standard Missile-6s (SM-6), and 40-70 Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) were used. While over 1,100 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) were expended, their inventories will recover faster due to existing surge production. Current production rates for many systems, like Tomahawks (less than 200/year) and THAAD (96/year), are insufficient to quickly replenish stocks, with some deliveries for FY 2027 requests not starting until mid-2029. Prior engagements in the Red Sea and support for Ukraine further exacerbated these inventory issues, raising concerns for a potential future conflict with China.
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