Tomahawk missile supplies to Japan at risk due to US stock depletion from war with Iran - Media

Japan's order for hundreds of Tomahawk missiles from the US is at risk, as the American-Israeli war with Iran depletes arms stockpiles, the latest example of how the conflict diverts supplies and troops to the detriment of defense against Washington's main strategic rival - China, Bloomberg reports, writes UNN.

Details

Tomahawk missiles are central to Tokyo's new strategy of equipping itself with long-range strike capabilities to counter challenges from China and North Korea. However, Washington has informed Tokyo that the delivery of its order for approximately 400 missiles by March 2028 will be disrupted, according to sources familiar with the situation.

According to one source familiar with the situation, the US launched hundreds of Tomahawk missiles during the attack on Iran. Before the war, American stockpiles contained about 4,000 Tomahawk missiles, including older models and anti-ship variants. RTX Corp. produced about 100 new missiles in 2025, and about 240 older models were upgraded to the latest Block V standard. The source said that more than two years' worth of such production was spent on the war.

Japan's $2.35 billion order, signed in 2024, was one of the largest orders from a foreign country. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated in March that the first batch of Tomahawk missiles had been received. However, according to two sources familiar with the situation, the US has stated that its priority now is to ensure supplies for the war with Iran.

It is unclear whether there is a risk that the US will miss the overall delivery deadline of March 2028 due to expected disruptions in the supply flow.

Koizumi and US War Secretary Pete Hegseth held two phone calls in mid-March to discuss the conflict with Iran. Official statements about the meetings did not mention the supply of Tomahawk missiles, but two people familiar with the situation said the issue was discussed in at least one of the phone calls.

The Pentagon declined to comment, and the Japanese Ministry of Defense did not respond to a request for comment. RTX spokesperson Chris Johnson said he was unaware of Japan being informed of supply disruptions.

FT: US spent years' worth of ammunition in two weeks of war with Iran13.03.26, 11:36 • 4728 views