A Pentagon dispute in early 2025 foreshadowed current U.S. munitions problems, as officials warned that a major Houthi campaign could drain key missile and interceptor stocks. Despite concerns, Trump launched Operation Rough Rider in March, striking over 1,000 targets in 51 days, but the Houthis rebuilt their capabilities.

The earlier stockpile concerns have since become more serious as the U.S. has consumed large numbers of Tomahawk missiles and Patriot interceptors during the Iran war, according to The Washington Post.