What Happened
Pentagon Faces Billions in Munitions Replacement and Operational Expenses
A recent Congressional Budget Office report estimates that combat operations in Iran have cost the Defense Department around $38 billion as of August 1, with ongoing monthly costs projected at $2-3 billion. The largest expense is the $21.7 billion required to replace expended munitions, including interceptors, land-attack cruise missiles, and other munitions. The report notes that rebuilding these inventories will likely take at least five years, leaving the US with a reduced inventory of interceptors for several years. This situation could become problematic if a conflict arose with an opponent like China, according to the report. The CBO report was released by Breaking Defense.