The US has used up \u00abvirtually all\u00bb of its stockpile of long-range, high-precision ATACMS and PrSM missiles during the five months of the war with Iran, three people familiar with the figures told Reuters. According to one of them, just under half of the global stockpile of Tomahawk missiles has also been used since the start of the conflict. Some officials fear that this could limit the US\u2019s ability to respond to other crises.<\/p>\n
Briefly about the main points<\/strong><\/p>\n ATACMS and PrSM are ground-to-ground missiles that enable precision strikes from a distance. Each one costs over $1 million. One of the sources speaking to Reuters said that the intensive use of these weapons reflected a decision by the administration Donald Trump<\/strong> to avoid riskier attacks by manned aircraft.<\/p>\n According to analysts, such munitions would be particularly valuable in a conflict with an adversary possessing a strong air defence system, such as China. A March report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that they had been used to strike targets in Iran.<\/p>\n The PrSM is a newer system intended to replace the ATACMS, which has a shorter range. CSIS noted that initial stocks of the PrSM were limited due to the missile\u2019s relative newness, although the US Army has ordered a significant number of these munitions for 2027. The military has also announced the gradual phasing out of the ATACMS and a shift in production focus towards the PrSM.<\/p>\n A well-informed source has reported that US Central Command has been replenishing its stocks from American military reserves in various parts of the world. At the same time, data on stock levels over the past week have been discussed within the federal government against the backdrop of debates over how long the US will be able to continue strikes on Iran<\/a> without limiting the ability to respond in other regions.<\/p>\n In a statement to Reuters, Trump said that the United States has \u00abfar more ammunition than anyone else in the world\u00bb and more than it needs. He added that defence companies are increasing production and manufacturing capacity at a record pace.<\/p>\n Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell<\/strong> stated that the US military has everything it needs to carry out its missions at the time and place chosen by the President, whilst retaining a significant arsenal of capabilities to protect the people and interests of the United States. Analysts agree that production of certain types of missiles and artillery shells has risen to record levels, but warn that stocks may not be sufficient for a protracted war.<\/p>\n\n
Long-range missiles reduced the need for strikes by manned aircraft<\/h2>\n
The Trump administration says it may expand its arsenal<\/h2>\n
Patriot and THAAD stocks have also fallen amid controversy over new strikes<\/h2>\n