Replenishing these munitions will take time, creating potential near-term risks for US forces.

According to a CSIS analysis, Tomahawks, long-range precision missiles, have been a mainstay of US military operations since the Gulf War and remain a crucial asset for future conflicts, including potential engagements in the Western Pacific.

Each missile costs roughly $3.6 million, according to the latest navy budget documents.

The 850 missiles fired could represent nearly half of the available launchers in the region, assuming the presence of two guided missile submarines equipped with Multiple-All-Up-Round Canisters alongside destroyers with vertical launching system (VLS) cells.

Because VLS cells also house other munitions, such as air defence missiles, this campaign may have depleted most of the Tomahawks currently on station.

These launchers cannot be reloaded at sea, meaning ships must return to port to restock once their missiles are expended.

The navy is set to receive 110 new Tomahawks in FY 2026, while existing stockpiles are estimated in the low 3,000s.

Although current inventories are sufficient to continue the operation, the heavy expenditure during Operation Epic Fury could limit US missile availability in other regions, particularly the Western Pacific.