Chicago – May 28, 2026
A new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies warns that the United States could take years to rebuild stockpiles of advanced weapons heavily used during the recent Iran war. The report says key systems including Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors were depleted at a rate that current production lines cannot quickly replace.
According to the analysis, replenishing more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles may take until 2030, while replacing Patriot and THAAD interceptors could stretch into 2029. Experts say the shortfall creates a potential “window of vulnerability,” especially as tensions with China continue over Taiwan.
The report argues that the main problem is not funding but limited manufacturing capacity and supply chain constraints developed after decades of lower military demand following the Cold War. Major defense companies including RTX (Raytheon) and Lockheed Martin are expanding production facilities to increase output.
Despite the concerns, the Pentagon said the U.S. military remains fully prepared for future operations and maintains a strong arsenal to defend national interests.
