The United States is set to deploy nearly its entire inventory of JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Missile Extended Range) cruise missiles in its military operations against Iran. Each missile, costing approximately $1.5 million, is designed to strike high-value targets deep within enemy territory while evading advanced air defense systems. The deployment is expected to significantly deplete US stockpiles, with only about 425 missiles projected to remain operational after recent allocations. The US had an estimated inventory of 2,300 JASSM-ER missiles prior to the conflict, but heavy usage has strained these resources, particularly as over 1,000 units were reportedly used in the initial weeks of the air campaign. Production challenges further complicate the situation, with Lockheed Martin anticipated to produce nearly 400 missiles in 2026, but scaling up to meet demand could take years. This reliance on expensive long-range missiles may prompt a tactical shift towards lower-cost alternatives, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare.