The US administration has sought to reassure the public that missile stockpiles remain sufficient despite 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 used much of its global stockpile of long-range precision missiles during the war, citing two unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Additionally, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that by the end of July 2026, the US had between 759 and 827 Patriot missiles left, down from 2,330 before the conflict began. CSIS also estimated that around 60% of terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) missiles have been used, according to Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and senior adviser at CSIS.

The US has supplied Ukraine with significant numbers of Patriot missiles since Russia's invasion in 2022, but as US stocks diminish, Cancian expects the Pentagon to retain remaining missiles.

Reports of a stockpile shortage have been called a "manufactured story" by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has also implemented stricter controls on Pentagon information access for reporters. The administration has stated it is ramping up production, with Hegseth saying the US is working quickly to manufacture more weapons.

Meanwhile, former President Trump confronted Defence Secretary Hegseth last week over concerns about a possible weapons shortfall, according to the Washington Post citing unnamed sources. Trump denied any munitions shortage and declared on his social media platform Truth Social, "The 'leakers' of these treasonous statements are being hunted down," adding that "Long term jail sentences will be sought!"

Many modern weapons have long funding, order, production, and delivery timelines, making rapid replacement difficult once munitions are used. The administration continues to assert that US stockpiles are adequate.

Sources