politics
U.S. to Reallocate Stealth Missiles for Iran Conflict, Report Indicates
The United States is reportedly moving stealth cruise missiles from global stockpiles to support operations in the Iran conflict, according to a Bloomberg report. This reallocation includes pulling missiles from Pacific stockpiles, reducing available inventory significantly. The moves occur amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent military strikes.
Apr 4, 4:13 PM·2m read1 source
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The United States has ordered the transfer of stealth cruise missiles from its global stockpiles to bolster efforts in the ongoing conflict with Iran, as reported by Bloomberg. Specifically, the U.S. issued directives at the end of March to draw from Pacific stockpiles, including the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER).
This reallocation reflects broader adjustments in U.S. military assets amid escalating regional tensions.
The conflict intensified on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel conducted strikes on key military targets in Iran, resulting in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other government officials. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israel and several Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. forces.
These events have prompted the U.S. to rapidly reposition weapons and defensive systems from various regions to sustain operations in the Middle East.
The reallocation involves stealth JASSM-ER cruise missiles, which will reduce the global inventory from approximately 2,300 to around 425 missiles, according to Bloomberg. This leaves enough for roughly 17 B-1B bombers on a single mission. The Pentagon was contacted by Newsweek for comment, but no immediate response was available outside normal business hours.
The JASSM-ER is a stealthy, air-launched cruise missile designed for the U.S. Air Force to target high-value and heavily defended sites. It has a range exceeding 600 miles and uses GPS and inertial navigation for guidance, along with an imaging infrared seeker for precision.
The missile carries a 1,000-pound penetrating warhead aimed at destroying hardened targets while keeping aircrews at a safe distance.
This shift raises potential concerns about U.S. military readiness in the Pacific region, where resources have been built up as a deterrent against China's activities, including those related to Taiwan. Reports indicate the U.S. has also moved other assets, such as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems from South Korea and interceptor missiles for the Patriot system from the Indo-Pacific.
