More than 3,000 precision-guided weapons and interceptor missiles were deployed during the first 36 hours of the military offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, according to new estimates that highlight growing pressure on Western defence supply chains.
Analysts from the Payne Institute for Public Policy reported that Iran responded with a large-scale barrage across the region, launching more than 1,000 weapons. The retaliation reportedly included around 380 ballistic missiles, roughly 700 Shahed drones and about 50 air defence missiles.
The strikes prompted widespread interception efforts by the United States, Israel and several Gulf countries, some of which were also targeted during Tehran’s counter-attacks.
Extensive use of offensive weapons
During the opening phase of the campaign, US forces reportedly used a range of strike systems. These included about 210 JDAM precision-guided bombs, 120 Tomahawk cruise missiles, 120 low-cost drones and 90 AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles designed to disable Iranian radar installations.
Israeli forces also carried out extensive air strikes, using an estimated 280 Spice-guided bombs, 140 smart bomb kits, 70 Rampage supersonic missiles and around 50 Delilah cruise or loitering missiles, according to the analysis.
Air defence systems heavily deployed
Defensive systems were widely activated to counter Iran’s missile and drone attacks.
The United States is estimated to have fired about 180 SM-2, SM-3 and SM-6 naval interceptors, along with roughly 90 Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles and 40 THAAD interceptors.
Israel deployed approximately 70 Iron Dome Tamir interceptors, 40 Arrow missiles and 35 David’s Sling interceptors to defend against incoming threats.
Regional partners in the Gulf also took part in the defensive response, launching around 250 Patriot PAC-3 interceptors and 30 THAAD missiles.
Supply chain concerns emerge
Analysts say the intense exchange of missiles and drones has exposed a wider strategic challenge for Western militaries.
Although many incoming projectiles were intercepted, the scale and cost of the munitions used have raised concerns about the sustainability of current defence stockpiles.
Replenishing these weapons is not only expensive but also complicated by supply chain constraints. The production of advanced munitions relies on critical minerals such as cobalt, tungsten and rare earth elements, which are used in guidance systems, electronics and rocket motors.
Several of these materials come from limited global suppliers, with China dominating many key mineral markets. Analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could expose vulnerabilities in Western defence manufacturing capacity.