US and Israel Use 3,000 Ammunition in First 36 Hours of Iran Attack

JAKARTA - More than 3,000 precision-guided munitions and anti-missile missiles were used in the first 36 hours of the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which showed major weaknesses in the weapons supply chain.

Estimates from the Payne Institute for Public Policy, as reported by Anadolu on Friday, March 5, show Iran launching more than 1,000 weapons across the region, including about 380 ballistic missiles, 700 Shahed drones, and 50 air defense missiles.

The attack triggered a massive interception effort by the United States, Israel, and the Gulf countries that were the target of Iran's retaliatory attacks.

In the opening phase of the military operation, US forces used various offensive weapons, including 210 JDAM precision-guided bombs, 120 Tomahawk cruise missiles, 120 low-cost drones, and 90 AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles targeting Iranian radar systems.

Israeli forces also carried out extensive attacks using around 280 Spice guided bombs, 140 smart bomb devices, 70 Rampage supersonic missiles, and 50 Delilah cruise missiles, according to estimates.

Defense systems were also used intensively to intercept Iranian attacks. The United States fired about 180 SM-2/SM-3/SM-6 sea interceptor missiles, then 90 Patriot PAC-2/PAC-3 missiles, and 40 THAAD interceptor missiles. Meanwhile, Israel deployed 70 Tamir interceptors from the Iron Dome system, 40 Arrow missiles, and 35 David's Sling interceptors.

US regional partners are also participating in the air defense effort. The Gulf countries are expected to launch about 250 Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles and 30 THAAD missiles.

The exchange of intense missiles and drones highlights a broader strategic challenge, according to media reports.

Although the defense system largely succeeded in intercepting the incoming attack, the cost and volume of ammunition used put a huge strain on the Western weapons supply chain.

Recharging the arsenal is not only a financial challenge, but also a supply chain problem related to critical minerals, including cobalt, tungsten, and rare earth elements that are essential for navigation systems, electronics, and rocket motors.

Much of the material comes from limited suppliers, with China dominating some key mineral markets. This raises concerns that prolonged conflict could create vulnerabilities in Western defense manufacturing capacity.