Operation Epic Fury and U.S. Military Constraints
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) fired a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) as part of Operation Epic Fury on March 1, amidst escalating conflict in West Asia following the U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran. Analysts predicted the war's duration depended on Iran's missile supply and Gulf nations' interceptors.
Conflict Dynamics
- Iran launched over 1,400 ballistic missiles and 3,400 drones against Gulf states from February 28 to March 23.
- Gulf nations sought U.S. interceptors, with significant military sales to the UAE and Kuwait totaling $16.46 billion.
- Emergency U.S. military sales included 12,000 bomb casings to Israel for $151.8 million.
Financial Implications
- The U.S. has requested over $200 billion to fund the war, surpassing previous airstrike campaign costs.
- Operation Epic Fury cost an estimated $16.5 billion by its 12th day, with over 90% of munitions being low-cost weapons after Day 5.
Munition Expenditure
- 158 THAAD interceptors used in six days, 25% of previous procurements.
- 139 PAC-3 missiles used, accounting for 7% of past procurements.
- 15% of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) stockpile expended.
- Replenishment costs: $2 billion for THAAD, $3 billion for SM-3, close to $1 billion for Tomahawk missiles.
Mineral Supply Chain Challenges
- Minerals like tungsten, gallium, germanium, and antimony are crucial but under constrained supply.
- U.S. Net Import Reliance: Over 90% for antimony and gallium, over 50% for germanium and tungsten.
- 20% of these mineral imports come from China, which controls a significant portion of global exports.
- S&P Global reported potential pressures on the Pentagon's ability to replenish stockpiles due to mineral shortages and China's leverage over supply chains.
Data sources include the Center for Strategic and International Studies, U.S. Department of Defence, United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). ```
