Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) stated Sunday that he is concerned by President Trump’s recent claims of being unaware of missile shortages within the U.S. military. Speaking on CBS News’s "Face the Nation," Bacon, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, questioned the management of the ongoing conflict with Iran and noted a perceived lack of transparency from the administration regarding munition levels. The conflict is currently entering its sixth month.
President Trump has publicly denied reports of dwindling stockpiles, stating to Fox News on Monday that the U.S. has used only "peanuts" during the war. However, several news reports have cited significant depletion of key defense assets. Reuters reported earlier this month that the Army has used nearly all of its Tactical Missile System munitions and Precision Strike Missiles, each valued at over $1 million.
Additional reports from CNN indicate the Pentagon has expended approximately 80% of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors and about 50% of its Patriot interceptors. In response to these reports, the military has taken steps to increase production. The Navy announced Monday a $22.9 billion contract with Raytheon to accelerate the manufacturing of Tomahawk missiles, which acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated is necessary to meet operational demands and maintain firepower.
The concrete day-to-day change for the defense industrial base will be a significant ramp-up in manufacturing activity and employment to meet accelerated contract deadlines. Conversely, if shortages persist, military commanders may notice restrictions on the use of specific high-cost munitions, such as the $1 million-per-unit Precision Strike Missiles, during active engagements. These shortages could force a shift in how the U.S. manages its involvement in the Iran conflict and its ability to provide interceptors for missile defense systems like the Patriot and THAAD.
The knock-on effects involve potential shifts in future defense policy and budget priorities as Congress seeks to address the "lack of transparency" cited by Rep. Bacon. A primary precedent could be set regarding how much information the executive branch must share with the House Armed Services Committee during active warfare. What happens next depends on the return of the House of Representatives from recess on August 31, at which point Rep. Bacon stated he expects more transparency regarding the actual status of the nation's weapons stockpiles.