U.S. missile stockpiles are dwindling and could take years to replenish

NPR | By Kat Lonsdorf,

Steve Inskeep

Published August 5, 2026 at 4:44 AM EDT

The war with Iran has fueled a shortage of U.S. long-range precision missiles. Stockpiles are expected to take years to replenish.

Kat Lonsdorf

Kat Lonsdorf is reporter for NPR, often covering national security and international stories. She is based in Washington, D.C.

Steve Inskeep

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition and Up First.

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