The 850 Tomahawks Launched in Operation Epic Fury Is the Most Fired in a Single Campaign

Analysis by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park

Published March 27, 2026

The Washington Post reported that Navy ships and submarines have fired more than 850 Tomahawk missiles in the first four weeks of Operation Epic Fury. Replenishing inventory after this campaign will take time, and creates near-term risk for the United States.

1. Tomahawks are capable long-range missiles that have been widely used for U.S. warfighting since the first Gulf War. They remain a key munition for potential future wars, including one in the Western Pacific. Tomahawks are also expensive, costing $3.6 million per shot according to the latest Navy budget documents.
2. 850 missiles would account for around half of available launchers in the region- assuming two guided missile submarines with Multiple-All-Up-Round Canisters, alongside the destroyers with vertical launching system (VLS) cells. Because VLS cells are also loaded with other types of missiles-for example, those for air defense-this amount could represent most of the Tomahawks on station. These launchers cannot be reloaded at sea. Ships would need to return to port with requisite infrastructure once they are out of missiles.
3. The Navy is set to receive 110 Tomahawks in FY 2026. Existing stockpiles are estimated to be in the low-3,000s. While sufficient munitions exist to wage this war, high expenditure of Tomahawks and other missiles in Operation Epic Fury creates risks for the United States in other theaters-particularly the Western Pacific.

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