US intensifies attacks on Iran with strategic JASSM-ER missiles
Photo: US Army (Getty Images)
The United States is considering expanding its military campaign against Iran by using long-range JASSM-ER missiles, according to Bloomberg.
Missile redeployment from other regions
Washington plans to deploy a significant portion of its JASSM-ER cruise missile stockpiles, originally intended for other regions.
According to sources, at the end of March, an order was issued to transfer weapons worth around $1.5 million from Pacific reserves.
Additional shipments are planned from bases in the US and other regions to Central Command facilities, as well as to the UK's Fairford base.
Sharp reduction in stockpiles
After these transfers, the US will have about 425 JASSM-ER missiles remaining from the pre-war stock of 2,300.
This number is enough for only one mission for 17 B-1B bombers. Another roughly 75 missiles are unusable due to damage or technical faults.
Scale of deployment
JASSM-ER missiles can strike targets over 600 miles away, allowing attacks beyond enemy air defense ranges.
Sources report that, together with shorter-range missiles, about two-thirds of the arsenal has already been used in the campaign against Iran.
Pressure on military resources
Since the start of the US-Israel air campaign on February 28, replenishing stockpiles has remained a challenge. At current rates, restoring supplies would require years of production.
Active use of long-range systems reduces risks to personnel but simultaneously depletes resources designed for potential conflicts with more capable adversaries, including China.
Losses and tactical shifts
The US and Israel report significant weakening of Iranian air defenses, enabling the use of cheaper weapons.
However, combat losses continue: an F-15E fighter and later an A-10 were shot down, and two rescue helicopters were damaged.
Sources say that over 1,000 JASSM-ER missiles have been used in the first weeks of the conflict.
Israel is reportedly awaiting US approval to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure, which could happen soon.
It should be noted that Iran has announced it will allow free passage through the Strait of Hormuz only for ships carrying "essential goods," while other commercial traffic will be blocked.
