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

In response, Trump denied any munitions shortage and declared on Truth Social that "The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down," adding, "Long term jail sentences will be sought!" He also criticized the Washington Post's reporting as "fake" and "treasonous," while expressing satisfaction with Hegseth's performance: "I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing."

Since his appointment, Hegseth has implemented strict controls limiting media 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 also estimated that around 60% of terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) missiles have been used. Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and senior adviser at CSIS, noted that while the US has supplied Ukraine with significant numbers of Patriot missiles since Russia's 2022 invasion, the Pentagon is expected to retain remaining stocks as US inventories shrink.

Many modern weapons have long production and delivery timelines, complicating rapid replenishment. The administration has consistently maintained that the US has sufficient stockpiles.

Sources