US diverts JASSM-ER missiles to Iran, risking deterrence vs China
Why it matters: The US diversion of JASSM-ER missiles to Iran risks reduced readiness against China, with replenishment expected to take years.
- The US is committing nearly its entire stock of JASSM-ER cruise missiles to the Iran war, pulling from reserves for other regions, including the Pacific, according to The South China Morning Post.
- Approximately two-thirds of US JASSM inventories are now reportedly committed to the Iran conflict, leaving only about 425 usable missiles globally from a pre-war stockpile of 2,300.
- The Wall Street Journal, citing Israeli military sources in March 2026, reported that 85% of Iran's air defense systems and radars have been neutralized.
- The New York Times, however, reported this month that multiple shoot-downs of US aircraft (an F-15E and an A-10) indicate Iran's air defenses are still a threat, potentially due to underground systems that can be quickly redeployed.
The US is diverting nearly its entire stock of advanced JASSM-ER cruise missiles to the Iran war, drawing heavily from reserves previously allocated to the Pacific, raising concerns about reduced readiness against high-end adversaries like China. While Israeli military sources cited by the Wall Street Journal claimed 85% of Iran's air defenses were neutralized, the New York Times reported that recent US aircraft losses prove Iran's defenses remain a substantial threat, potentially due to underground capabilities.
