The large-scale use of Tomahawk cruise missiles during Operation Epic Fury could significantly deplete the United States’ stockpile of this long-range weapon. Harrison Kass, writing for The National Interest, warns that the pace of strikes may outstrip the country’s ability to replenish its arsenal.

According to the analyst, U.S. production capacity for Tomahawk missiles remains relatively limited. Roughly 90 units are manufactured each year, a rate Kass believes is insufficient to sustain the current intensity of operations for an extended period.

Tomahawks play a central role in the campaign against Iran. The missiles are used to strike key targets such as command centers, radar installations, and naval infrastructure. As a result, the availability of these weapons directly affects the overall effectiveness of the operation.

Kass notes that the scale of missile use has already been considerable. During the first 72 hours of the operation against Iran, the U. S. Navy reportedly launched around 400 Tomahawk missiles. By his estimate, that figure represents roughly 10 percent of the missiles currently ready for deployment.

Such a rate of expenditure, the author argues, highlights the seriousness of the situation. The number of Tomahawks fired in those first days alone exceeds the total launched over the past five years, raising concerns that U.S. reserves could be significantly reduced if the campaign continues at the same pace.

Kass also suggests that the depletion of American long-range strike capabilities may not go unnoticed abroad. In his view, the state of U.S. missile stockpiles could become one of the factors China weighs when assessing its strategic options regarding Taiwan.