The US administration has reassured the public that missile stockpiles remain robust despite extensive use of difficult-to-manufacture weapons during Operation Epic Fury and subsequent strikes. CBS News, citing two unnamed sources, reported that much of the US global stockpile of long-range precision missiles has been used during the war.

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 shrink, Cancian expects the Pentagon to retain remaining supplies.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed reports of a stockpile shortage as a "manufactured story" during a 14 June appearance on CBS' Face the Nation. The administration has stated it is ramping up production, with Hegseth noting efforts to quickly manufacture more weapons.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump confronted Hegseth last week over 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!"

Since becoming Defence Secretary, Hegseth has also implemented strict controls limiting reporters' access to Pentagon information.

Sources