US Intensifies Strikes On Iran With JASSM-ER Strategic Missiles
- 5.04.2026, 10:32
They were originally intended for other regions.
The US is considering expanding its military campaign against Iran with the use of long-range JASSM-ER missiles.
This is reported by Bloomberg.
Transfer of missiles from other regions
Washington intends to use a significant part of the stockpile of JASSM-ER cruise missiles previously intended for other areas.
According to the source, the order was given in late March to transfer about $1.5 million worth of weapons from Pacific reserves.
The additional supplies are planned to be sent from bases in the United States and other regions to Central Command facilities, as well as to Britain's Fairford.
The drastic reduction in inventory
After these moves, the U.S. will have about 425 JASSM-ER missiles at its disposal, out of a prewar total of 2,300.
This is enough for just one mission of 17 B-1B bombers. About 75 more are not usable due to damage or technical malfunctions.
Scale of Use
JASSM-ERs are capable of hitting targets over 600 miles away, allowing strikes outside of enemy air defense range.
According to the source, along with shorter-range missiles, about two-thirds of the arsenal has already been used in the war against Iran.
The issue of replenishing the stockpile has been an open question since the start of the U.S.-Israeli air campaign on Feb. 28. At the current rate, use of the weapons would require years of production to rebuild.
Active use of long-range systems reduces risks to the military, but also depletes resources designed for possible conflicts with stronger adversaries, including China.
Losses and changes in tactics
The US and Israel say Iranian air defenses have been significantly weakened, allowing the use of cheaper weapons.
But combat losses continue: an F-15E fighter jet was shot down, later an A-10 aircraft, and two rescue helicopters were also damaged.
In the first weeks of the conflict, more than 1,000 JASSM-ER missiles have been used, according to the source.