Rapid pace of interceptor and precision-guided weapons use worries Trump administration - CBS News

What the report says

CBS News reports that U.S. military and intelligence officials are warning inside the Trump administration about the speed at which the United States is using advanced air-defense interceptors and precision-guided weapons in the Middle East amid renewed conflict with Iran. The officials, who were granted anonymity because of the sensitivity of the assessments, said the defense industrial base cannot replace some missiles quickly enough to keep pace with weapons fired or sent to U.S. Central Command.

According to CBS, the strain is affecting both offensive weapons and defensive systems. Commanders have reportedly shifted toward more JDAM-guided bombs and Small Diameter Bombs while using long-range systems such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and JASSMs more selectively. The report says air-defense interceptors are the sharper concern, with Patriot and THAAD missiles being used to defend U.S. forces and interests in Gulf states from Iranian drones and missiles.

The issue matters because stocks moved to the Middle East have included interceptors previously positioned for other regions, including the Indo-Pacific, where U.S. planners are focused on deterring China and supporting allies. Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, told lawmakers in April that scaling production of high-end missiles such as Tomahawks and JASSMs could take one to two years.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told CBS the U.S. military has the capabilities it needs and a “deep arsenal” to protect American interests. CBS also cited earlier comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denying a stockpile crisis. The report adds that outside analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies has pointed to long replacement timelines for Tomahawks, JASSMs and major air-defense interceptors.