According to a CNN report, the United States has expended a substantial portion of its missile arsenal during its recent conflict with Iran, leading to a marked drawdown in key weapons stockpiles.
The report notes that around 45 percent of precision-guided strike missiles and nearly half of the THAAD interceptor missiles were used. Patriot air defense missiles were likewise consumed at roughly 50 percent of their available inventory.
Long-range systems, including Tomahawk missiles, also recorded a decline, with inventories reportedly falling by 20 to 30 percent.
Sources cited in the report say that replenishing and scaling up production of these munitions could take between three and five years.
Analysts further warn that in the event of another major military confrontation in the near future, particularly involving China, the reduced stockpiles could place significant pressure on U.S. operational readiness.