The US administration has sought to reassure the public that missile stockpiles remain robust despite extensive use of difficult-to-manufacture weapons during recent military operations, including Operation Epic Fury.

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 Trump confronted Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over a possible weapons shortfall.

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

Trump also expressed strong support for Defence Secretary Hegseth, posting, "I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing." Since taking office, Hegseth has implemented strict controls limiting press 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 around 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 as stocks shrink, Cancian expects the Pentagon to retain its remaining inventory.

Sources