The ongoing Iran conflict is highlighting the critical role of weapons stockpiles in modern warfare.

US President Donald Trump has claimed the US possesses a “virtually unlimited supply” of key weapons, while Iran insists it has the “capacity to resist the enemy” longer than expected.

However, stockpiles alone will not determine the outcome—historical conflicts like Ukraine against Russia show smaller forces can endure despite being outgunned.

Both sides have conducted high-tempo operations since the war began. The Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) estimates the US and Israel have carried out over 2,000 strikes, while Iran has launched 571 missiles and 1,391 drones.

Yet, Iran’s missile launches have dropped 86% since day one, and drone launches are down 73%, indicating the strain on its stockpiles and production capacity.

Before the conflict, Iran reportedly maintained over 2,000 short-range ballistic missiles and mass-produced tens of thousands of Shahed drones.

Many of these drones have been exported to Russia, where they were used extensively in Ukraine.

Despite reduced launches, Iran may be conserving weapons or struggling to maintain production under constant US-Israeli air attacks.

The US maintains conventional superiority with deep stockpiles of precision-guided weapons, though production limits and costs pose challenges.

US Central Command now uses less expensive “stand-in” weapons like JDAM bombs, reducing pressure on long-range missiles.

However, expensive air defense systems like Patriot missiles, costing over $4 million each and limited to roughly 700 units annually, remain under strain.

Experts warn that while the US and Israel can degrade Iran’s operational capabilities, destroying all stockpiles is challenging.

Iran’s vast territory allows for hidden weapon depots, and history shows air campaigns alone rarely eliminate a determined adversary.