Increased Use of Cruise Missiles in Iran Conflict Outpaces Production
The US military has been deploying Tomahawk cruise missiles in the ongoing Iran conflict at a rate that surpasses the replenishment pace. Unofficial figures suggest that over 850 of these missiles have been used so far, which is about nine times the annual procurement average.
Manufacturing Capacity and Actual Production
Despite the ability to produce up to 2,330 cruise missiles annually, the actual procurement rate for the US military is significantly lower, around 90 per year. This is far less than the nearly 60 missiles requested by the Navy for the fiscal year 2026. In total, the current stockpile of Tomahawk missiles is estimated to be around 3,100.
Experts have noted the military's insufficient long-range strike capabilities and the continuous depletion of these caches. A recent agreement with the defense department aims to ramp up production to 1,000 missiles a year over several years.
Understanding the Tomahawk Missile
The Tomahawk cruise missile is a long-range, high-precision weapon, capable of traveling over 1,000 miles. It is primarily launched from Navy destroyers and submarines and is effective even against targets with advanced air defenses. This missile has proven to be one of the most reliable long-range weapons in the US arsenal, having undergone over 550 flight-tests and used in over 2,300 operational strikes.
Initially used mainly by the Navy, this missile system has been adopted by the Marine Corps, the Army, and even allied militaries. However, there's no evidence suggesting that Iran possesses or has used any Tomahawk missiles.
The Cost of Tomahawks
The cost of a Tomahawk missile can vary based on its version, with the average price hovering around $2.2 million. The launching system for ground-based versions costs over $6 million, while those launched from destroyers or submarines can surpass $4 million. These missiles are among the advanced munitions being used by the US military.
Increasing Defense Production
The US defense sector is working to ramp up the production of critical munitions. The Defense Secretary recently emphasized the revival of the defense industrial base and the reduction of lead times on munitions. He assured that the stockpile would be replenished faster than anticipated.
Usage of Tomahawks Since 2025
While there is no exact public figure, it's estimated that the US military has used nearly 1,000 Tomahawk missiles in various conflicts since June 2025. These include operations in Iran, Yemen, the Red Sea, and Nigeria.
Current Production Rate of Tomahawks
The production of Tomahawk cruise missiles has found it difficult to match its increased usage. In recent years, industry production has ranged from a few dozen to a few hundred annually, according to Defense Department budget documents. This rate is far below what could be used in a short, high-intensity conflict. Analysts have underscored that the issue isn't just funding, but also the structural limitations of a defense industrial base designed for predictable demand rather than quick wartime expansion.
Future Production Goals
Despite the challenges, there’s an ongoing effort to increase the production of Tomahawk missiles. Recent agreements aim to raise the annual output to over 1,000. However, these initiatives are expected to span over several years and do not represent an immediate surge in wartime production.