US Depleting Key Missile Stockpiles Weeks Into Iran War - Kyiv Post

US Depleting Key Missile Stockpiles Weeks Into Iran War

The United States has rapidly depleted key weapons stockpiles, including Tomahawk missiles, in less than a fortnight – raising concerns about costs and the ability to replenish supplies.

This US Navy photo released by US Central Command public affairs shows Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) firing a Tomahawk land attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, from an undisclosed location on March 1, 2026. (Photo by US Central Command (CENTCOM) / AFP)

The US has reportedly used “years” worth of critical munitions since the start of its war with Iran, raising concerns about the cost of the conflict and the country’s ability to replenish its weapons stockpiles.

Citing three people familiar with the matter, the Financial Times reported on Friday that advanced long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles are among the weapons to have been depleted.

“It is a massive expenditure of Tomahawks,” one person familiar with US military operations told the newspaper. “The navy will be feeling this expenditure for several years.”

Tomahawk missiles, which carry a 1,000-pound (about 454-kilogram) warhead and cost roughly $3.6 million each, are produced by US defense contractor RTX.

War costs mounting

This use of expensive munitions has increased pressure on US President Donald Trump as the war continues to drive up military spending and global oil prices, which have risen above $100 per barrel.

Advertisement

Pentagon officials told lawmakers earlier this week that the conflict had already cost the United States more than $11 billion in its first six days, most of it spent on weapons and munitions.

The Pentagon is expected to request up to $50 billion in additional funding from the White House and Congress in the coming days to support ongoing military operations.

However, the request could face resistance on Capitol Hill, from both Democrats and fiscal conservatives within Trump’s own Republican party – who argue the administration launched the war without congressional authorization.

The EU has so far failed to reach a common position on the war in Iran.

Cheap drones and expensive missiles

Some US lawmakers have warned that the cost of the conflict highlights an imbalance between expensive American weapons and the relatively cheap drones used by Iran.

Democratic senator and former Navy combat pilot Senator Mark Kelly said that missiles such as Patriot and THAAD interceptors cost millions of dollars per launch, while Iranian Shahed drones can be produced for roughly $30,000.

“The math on this doesn’t work,” Kelly said.

Advertisement

US officials have previously warned that the rapid use of advanced munitions could outpace production capacity, potentially leaving American stockpiles depleted if the country faces future conflicts with other major powers such as Russia or China.

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Yuliia Zavadska is a news writer at Kyiv Post. She has experience in breaking news coverage, fact-checking, and digital journalism, with a focus on fast, accurate reporting and clear storytelling. Before joining Kyiv Post, she worked as a news feed editor for several leading Ukrainian media outlets.

The Ukrainian president said Kyiv’s expertise in countering drones has become a strategic advantage after Washington sought help protecting US bases in the Middle East.