 "Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance fires a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, at an undisclosed location, on February 28, 2026. Reuters File")
The US military has launched more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles over the past four weeks in its ongoing conflict with Iran, raising concerns among Pentagon officials about dwindling stockpiles of the precision-guided weapons, according to a Washington Post report.
Internal discussions are underway within the Pentagon on how to replenish supplies and ensure continued availability. The high usage rate has reportedly alarmed some officials, given the limited annual production of the missiles, added the report, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can be fired from US Navy surface ships and submarines, have been a cornerstone of American military operations since their first combat use during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. However, only a few hundred units are produced each year, constraining global supply. The Pentagon does not publicly disclose the size of its missile inventory.
Known for their long-range capabilities —exceeding 1,000 miles — Tomahawks allow US forces to strike targets without exposing pilots to heavily defended airspace.
The extensive reliance on these weapons in the Iran conflict may prompt the US to consider reallocating missiles from other strategic regions, including the Indo-Pacific, said several US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military planning.
Missile shortage fears
Concerns over dwindling Tomahawk missile supplies have intensified scrutiny within the Pentagon and Congress over the Trump administration’s war in Iran, including shifting justifications for the conflict and risks to US readiness in other regions.
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View AllThe issue comes as the White House considers a possible escalation involving ground troops while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic efforts to end hostilities.
According to the report, citing officials, Pentagon is closely tracking missile usage, warning that the current burn rate could affect both the ongoing campaign and future operations.
One official described Tomahawk stockpiles in the Middle East as “alarmingly low,” while another cautioned the US is nearing “Winchester” — military terminology for running out of ammunition — without corrective action.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined to provide specific figures, stating the military “has everything it needs” to carry out missions as directed by the president.
He also criticised media coverage as biased and misleading.
Modern Tomahawk missiles, in service since 2004, can be guided via satellite, strike preprogrammed or dynamic targets using GPS, and provide real-time battlefield intelligence through onboard surveillance systems.
With inputs from agencies