US weapons burn rate in Iran undermines plans to defend Taiwan: Reports

The United States has burned through thousands of missiles since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, diminishing the armaments needed in a potential future conflict with China tied to its tensions with Taiwan.

The U.S. military has used 1,100 long-range stealth cruise missiles — nearly all of the total number left in Washington’s stockpile — and fired off more than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles, The New York Times reported. The U.S. only produces roughly 100 Tomahawks a year, meaning under current production, it could take 10 years to replace.

In addition, in less than eight weeks American forces have spent more than 1,200 Patriot interceptor missiles, one of the most expensive individual armaments at more than $4 million each. Another 1,000 Precision Strike and ATACMS ground-based missiles also have been fired, officials told the Times.

The sheer rate of missile use has left U.S. stockpiles low, multiple outlets have reported.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank........

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