"We have an almost unlimited supply of weapons. However, the situation is a bit tighter for some types," President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on 6/8. His remarks came in response to questions about reports that his administration requested additional congressional funding for weapon procurement. This marks the first time President Trump has publicly acknowledged a shortage of advanced weapon supplies.
He affirmed that less advanced weapons remain in abundant reserves, while defense corporations are expanding facilities to accelerate the production of patriot air defense missiles and tomahawk cruise missiles. "Some types of ammunition may not be as precise, not the most advanced. However, we also have other very powerful, very effective weapons with an almost unlimited supply, so we are fully capable of responding," he emphasized.
Technicians assemble PAC-3 missiles at Lockheed Martin's factory. Video: Lockheed Martin
The US leader also stressed the necessity of replenishing weapon stockpiles to prepare for potential future conflicts. "We must have more. Other situations may arise, or they may not. Hopefully nothing else will happen. But currently we are in a very good position. The US truly has a huge amount of ammunition," he said. President Trump declared that the conflict with Iran would soon conclude, stating, "I don't think Iran can continue much longer."
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US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on 6/8. Photo: Reuters
Anonymous sources familiar with the situation disclosed to CNN on 4/8 that the US military had depleted nearly 80% of its terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) system missiles and nearly 50% of its patriot ammunition stockpiled before the Middle East conflict. Three other anonymous sources informed Reuters that the US had expended almost all of its PrSM and ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles from its reserves. The inventory of tomahawk cruise missiles also significantly decreased to just over 50%, a notable drop from the over 70% reported by US media in April.
One source suggested that the ammunition shortage, particularly of long-range guided missiles and air defense ammunition, was a factor in Trump's decision to postpone an "unprecedentedly large-scale" attack on Iran.
A study published on 27/7 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicated that the US military's current inventory includes no more than 827 patriot missiles and 278 THAAD rounds. On 8/4, when the US ceased fire with Iran, these figures were 1,030 and between 232-262 rounds, respectively. Prior to the conflict's outbreak, the US military possessed 2,330 patriot missiles and 452 THAAD rounds.
Huyen Le (According to CNN, Reuters)
