As Missiles Run Out, Trump May Be Forced to Send More Human Pilots Into Combat, Worsening What Is Already a Seemingly Endless Quagmire

The U.S. military has reportedly exhausted nearly all of its long-range precision missiles in the war against Iran, raising concerns about its ability to sustain modern warfare. CNN reported Tuesday that the U.S. has used up "virtually all" of its Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), which cost over $1 million each. The military has also burned through close to half its Tomahawk missiles, nearly 80 percent of its THAAD interceptors, and almost half its Patriot interceptors, according to CNN.

The depletion comes as the war in Ukraine highlighted how attrition defines conflicts, with Russia's massive artillery stockpiles initially dominating before drones shifted the battlefield. President Trump dismissed concerns, telling the U.S. has "far more munitions than anyone in the world" and that defense companies are producing at record levels. However, the Pentagon is seeking "creative" solutions to continue fighting, and defense contractors like Lockheed and Raytheon have not disclosed replenishment timelines. As missiles run out, Trump may be forced to send more human pilots into combat, worsening what is already a seemingly endless quagmire.