Tel aviv: One month into the war in the Middle East, the US, Israel, and Iran are revealing both the strengths and limitations of their military capabilities. The conflict, which began with a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran in late February, has escalated into a region-wide confrontation. Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, US bases, and American-allied infrastructure across the Middle East.
According to Anadolu Agency, experts indicate that all sides are experiencing increasing pressure as their stockpiles are being stretched, and costly systems are being used at an unsustainable pace. US and Israeli forces have achieved tactical gains by hitting thousands of targets, but they are also expending expensive interceptors to counter less costly drones and missiles. A commentary on the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) website highlights that the US and its allies expended over 11,000 munitions within the first 16 days at an estimated cost of $26 billion.
As the war progresses, Iran’s arsenal has been notably degraded, though the exact scale remains unclear due to a lack of official data. Pre-war estimates suggested Iran’s missile stockpile ranged from 2,500 to as high as 6,000. Iran has launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones since the war began, and its arsenal includes missiles capable of reaching up to 2,000 kilometers. Despite these challenges, Iran’s production capabilities remain robust, with an annual output exceeding 1,500 missiles and 2,000 drones.
Israel has faced significant pressure on its multi-layered air defense system, though it has absorbed much of the Iranian strikes. Nonetheless, Israel’s military is experiencing strain from a multi-front war, with concerns about troop shortages and strategic clarity. Key defensive systems like the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 missile defense interceptors are nearing depletion.
The US, meanwhile, has launched extensive long-range operations, using significant numbers of Tomahawk, JASSM, and JDAM munitions. However, allied THAAD systems are projected to be depleted soon, leading to mounting pressure on US arsenals.
Overall, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is testing the endurance and capabilities of the US, Israel, and Iran, as each seeks to manage its resources amid a protracted war.