US military commanders are concerned about the Pentagon’s transfer of long-range precision weapons from the Asia-Pacific region to the Middle East, according to congressional officials, the New York Times reported on Thursday.
Since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February, the United States has used around 1,100 long-range stealth cruise missiles intended for potential operations against China, the officials said.
More than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles have also been fired along with over 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles and more than 1,000 Precision Strike and ATACMS ground-based missiles, leaving inventories at lower levels, according to internal Defense Department estimates and congressional officials.
The report said the use of munitions has led the Pentagon to transfer weapons from Asia and Europe to the Middle East, affecting regional readiness for potential threats in other theaters.
It added that the situation has raised concerns over the reliance on high-cost missiles and the capacity of the defence industry to increase production.
The Pentagon has not disclosed full munitions usage figures for recent operations, while White House officials rejected the claims.
Defense Department and congressional officials said replenishing stockpiles could take years at current production rates.
