Taiwan is sounding alarms over the significant depletion of US long-range cruise missiles during the Iran conflict, fearing it leaves the island more exposed to a potential Chinese invasion. Defence experts and Taiwanese officials warn that the hundreds of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs) and ship-launched Tomahawk missiles fired in the Middle East represent years of production, crucial assets earmarked for any Taiwan contingency. A senior Taiwanese defence official starkly stated the concern is that US forces are 'using up a lot of munitions which one assumes they would need' to blunt an attack, stating this 'erodes deterrence'.

This depletion comes as China claims Taiwan as its territory and threatens force if the island resists reunification. While the US remains ambiguous about direct intervention, it is legally bound to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons and maintain its own capacity to resist coercion. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated 786 JASSMs and 319 Tomahawks were fired in the first six days of the Iran war alone – quantities analysts state would be 'absolutely critical' in a Taiwan conflict.

The US military's primary long-range conventional cruise missile, the JASSM, has seen procurement lag significantly behind needs, with only hundreds delivered annually despite thousands ordered. Experts caution that the US's focus on the Iran war risks creating a 'very enticing weapon' imbalance for future conflicts, potentially forcing Taiwan to bear the brunt of a depleted US arsenal.