An uncontrolled nuclear missile is moving rapidly towards America. Ground-based interceptors fail to stop it and then America is left with no ‘Plan B’ to avoid destruction. Although this scene is shown in the Netflix movie A House of Dynamite, but this story does not seem to be mere imagination. After the missiles flying in West Asia and the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the situation seems to be moving rapidly in the same direction.

America’s emptying weapons stockpile

According to the report of The Wall Street Journal, the top general of the US Army had warned President Trump before a major and prolonged military attack on Iran that it would put huge pressure on America’s weapons stockpile. The biggest concern was about air-defense interceptor missiles, which are used to destroy enemy missiles and drones in the air.

As America is trying to eliminate Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, it is also having to fire a large number of interceptors to protect its bases and allied countries. Experts say that these missiles are not being manufactured as fast as they are being spent.

How many interceptors does the US have?

The US Defense Department calls this information ‘magazine depth’ and keeps it confidential. But according to the newspaper, US air-defense systems deployed in the Middle East have already been largely exhausted in the ongoing conflict with Iran and its regional allies. This has raised the question that if this war continues for a long time, for how long will America be able to endure it.

What is the purpose of America and Israel’s attacks?

Iran’s missile launchers, drone bases, airfields and top military bases were targeted in the American and Israeli strikes that began from Tehran early Saturday morning. A senior official told the Wall Street Journal that the purpose of the first attack was to weaken Iran’s ability to retaliate.

President Trump said that ‘heavy and precise bombing’ will continue until regional security goals are met.

How serious was Iran’s retaliation?

Iran’s response so far has been limited compared to the previous 12-day war. In that conflict, Iran had fired more than 500 missiles and a large number of drones. According to US Central Command, most Iranian missiles and drones have been intercepted, although some strikes have fallen on Gulf countries near Iran. Experts believe that the conflict may intensify in the coming days.

Which American weapons are being used the most?

According to Becca Wasser, a defense expert at the New America Security Center, America has used the Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM) very rapidly. These missiles play an important role in destroying the enemy’s infrastructure.

Wasser warned that in US-China war simulations, Tomahawk missiles fail within the first week, raising serious questions about their production and availability.

Is America using all its high-tech missile systems?

According to the report, America is making limited use of its long-range anti-ship missiles in this campaign. These are the same weapons that will be extremely important in any possible war against China in the Pacific Ocean. This indicates that Washington is saving some capabilities for the future.

Israel’s air defense system is also coming to an end

Israel has reduced America’s burden to some extent by attacking Iran’s military leadership. But according to the Journal, Israel itself is struggling with the shortage of weapons.
An American official said that Israel’s stock of Arrow-3 air-defense interceptors and air-launched ballistic missiles is decreasing rapidly.

Can America bring weapons from other areas?

The US has already deployed a large number of missiles and interceptors in the Middle East, including weapons from some allied countries. If the war drags on, the Pentagon may have to consider removing weapons from its Pacific stockpile, which could be strategically risky.

What is the real strategic challenge?

According to Kelly Grieco of the Stimson Center, interceptor systems can wear out very quickly. He says, ‘We cannot make them as fast as we are using them.’

Experts believe that the biggest challenge before America is that while handling the current war in West Asia, it should also prepare itself for future big threats like China.