US Runs Out of Fancy $15M Missile Candy Less Than a Month Into Iran War
KEY POINTS
- â˘Researchers MacDonald Amoah, Morgan D. Bazilian, and Lt. Col. Jahara Matisek analyzed US and Israeli munition use during the Iran conflict in early April 2026.
- â˘They found that over 11,000 missiles and interceptors were fired in 16 days, predicting critical stock depletion by mid-April with THAAD interceptors running out by April 17.
- â˘The team warned of a $50 billion restocking bill, complicated by rare-metal shortages, especially tungsten, controlled mostly by China.
In just 16 explosive days starting early April 2026, the US and its allies mowed through 11,294 munitions fighting Iran, igniting fears of missile-munition bankruptcy by mid-April: THAAD interceptors gone by April 17, PrSM and ATACMS missiles dusted by April 12, and Israelâs Arrow 2 & 3 missiles out this Friday. THAAD systems, each interceptor costing an eye-watering $15 million (more than a modest Tesla fleet), are vanishing like free drinks at a Wall Street party. The whole salvo includes 500 Tomahawks needing half a decade to replace, and half a million tungsten-packed 20mm roundsâChina, who controls 80% of tungsten, must be feeling like the world's richest metal hoarder. Three analysts warned these steep costs, running ~$50 billion, pose risks beyond the Middle East, threatening broader deterrence. The Pentagon ghosted Business Insider, probably hunting $15 million missiles in couch cushions.
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(1 of 3)US is burning through $15 million missiles faster than I burn instant noodles, and the Iran war just flipped the Pentagonâs credit card into 'declined.'
Hey Pentagon, turns out missile stockpiles donât magically refill like video game ammo packs. Who knew?
Running out of missiles mid-war is like showing up to a gunfight with squirt guns and unlimited snacks.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 3/26/2026 | Author: Matthew Loh
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