The US administration has sought to reassure the public that missile stockpiles remain robust, even after extensive use of difficult-to-manufacture weapons during Operation Epic Fury and subsequent strikes.

CBS News, a partner of the BBC, reported that the US has depleted much of its global stockpile of long-range precision missiles during the ongoing conflict, citing two unnamed sources with direct knowledge. Similarly, the Washington Post reported that former President Donald Trump confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last week over concerns about a possible weapons shortfall.

In response, Trump denied any munitions shortage and condemned the media reports as "fake 'reporting'" which he called "treasonous." On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated, "The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down," and warned that "Long term jail sentences will be sought!"

Trump also expressed support for Defence Secretary Hegseth, posting, "I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing." Since his appointment, Hegseth has implemented strict controls limiting reporters' access to Pentagon information.

Using publicly available data, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that by the end of July, the US had between 759 and 827 Patriot missiles remaining—about one-third of the 2,330 available before the conflict began. CSIS senior adviser Mark Cancian noted that approximately 60% of terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) missiles have also been used. The US has supplied significant numbers of Patriot missiles to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, but Cancian expects the Pentagon to retain remaining stocks as US reserves diminish.

The administration has emphasized that many modern weapons require long timelines for funding, production, and delivery, making rapid replenishment challenging. Trump previously told the Wall Street Journal that the US has enough munitions in its stockpile.

Sources