How the Iran war is draining America's long-range missiles crucial in countering potential China, Russia threats

The US Army's supply of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)—long-range, precision-guided missiles designed to strike high-value targets from a safe distance—has emerged as a growing concern after months of military operations against Iran.

According to Reuters, the conflict has significantly depleted stocks of ATACMS and their successor, the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), prompting fresh questions about America's readiness for any future confrontation involving major powers such as China or Russia.

Military analysts consider these weapons among the most critical assets in the US arsenal because they allow forces to hit strategic targets without exposing aircraft and pilots to heavily defended airspace.

Why ATACMS matter on the modern battlefield

ATACMS are surface-to-surface missiles capable of delivering precision strikes against command centres, air defence systems, logistics hubs and other high-value military targets at long range.

The US has also supplied ATACMS to Ukraine, where they have been used to strike military targets inside Russia. The newer Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), currently replacing ATACMS, offers improved capabilities and a longer range, making it a key component of the US Army's future long-range strike strategy.

Analysts say both missile systems would play a crucial role in any potential conflict involving China, particularly in environments protected by sophisticated air defence networks.

Most of the Army's long-range missiles have already been used

According to Reuters, citing three people familiar with internal US military data, the Army has consumed a substantial portion of its inventory of ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles during the five-month conflict with Iran.

Two of the sources told Reuters that the military has used "virtually all" of these land-based precision weapons. The sources did not disclose how many missiles remain in US stockpiles.

Another person familiar with the matter told Reuters that while US Central Command has nearly exhausted the missiles it had available at the start of the war, supplies have been replenished by transferring weapons from other military stockpiles around the world.

Trump administration insists US remains well supplied

President Donald Trump dismissed concerns over dwindling inventories, saying the United States still possesses more munitions than any other country.

In a statement provided to Reuters by the White House, Trump said American defence manufacturers are producing weapons at record levels while simultaneously expanding production capacity.

The Pentagon also rejected suggestions that military readiness has been compromised.

Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell told Reuters that the US military continues to possess the capabilities needed to carry out operations whenever directed by the president while maintaining a deep and effective arsenal.

Growing debate over long-term military readiness

Despite those assurances, Reuters reported that discussions have intensified inside the Trump administration over how much longer the United States can sustain military operations against Iran without affecting its ability to respond to crises elsewhere.

One source told Reuters that the extensive use of ATACMS and PrSM reflected a strategic decision to rely on long-range precision strikes instead of riskier missions involving piloted aircraft.

Military experts note that these weapons are especially valuable against countries equipped with advanced air defence systems because they allow attacks from safer stand-off distances.

Defensive missile inventories are also shrinking

The concerns extend beyond offensive missiles.

A recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the US had used roughly 65% of its Patriot interceptor missiles during the conflict, while stocks of THAAD ballistic missile interceptors had fallen by at least 38% between February and July.

According to Reuters, two of its sources said those estimates broadly align with internal US government data.

Reuters also reported, citing one source, that the United States has consumed just under half of its worldwide inventory of Tomahawk cruise missiles since the Iran conflict began. Reuters noted that it could not independently verify that figure.

Patriot and THAAD systems form the backbone of America's missile defence network, while Tomahawk missiles remain one of the Navy's primary long-range strike weapons.

Production ramps up as Washington looks to rebuild inventories

As military operations continue, attention has shifted toward replenishing critical weapons stockpiles.

The Army has already begun replacing older ATACMS missiles with the newer Precision Strike Missile, and large procurement orders are planned over the coming years.

Reuters also reported that Raytheon, a unit of RTX, has reached a tentative multi-year agreement with the Pentagon aimed at increasing Tomahawk missile production, alongside efforts to expand manufacturing of other key munitions as Washington seeks to rebuild depleted inventories.