In just 7 weeks:
50% THAAD interceptors
50% Patriot interceptors
45% PrSM
30% Tomahawk missiles
20% Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles
20% SM-3 and SM-6
China is absolutely loving every second of this, and is only increasing the threat to the place that manufactures 60% of the worlds semiconductors and 90% of advanced chips. It'll take years to restock and this thing isn't even over yet.
Ukraine was the warning.
how many new low cost cruise missiles are in development or production internationally
As of April 2026, there is a significant international push to develop and produce low-cost, high-volume cruise missiles, often referred to as "mini cruise missiles" or "affordable mass munitions," to address inventory shortages and support Ukraine. Driven by the need for low-cost ($150,000–$300,000 per unit), long-range strike capabilities, dozens of projects are in development across the U.S. and Europe, with several set for production in 2026.
Missile Matters — with Fabian Hoffmann
Key Low-Cost Cruise Missile Projects
Anduril Barracuda (U.S.): A family of "software-defined" cruise missiles designed for mass production, with a new factory set to open in January 2026, aimed at producing 2,000 units per shift.
ERAM / AGM-188A Rusty Dagger (U.S./Ukraine): Developed by Zone 5 Technologies, this missile was tested on F-16s in March 2026 for rapid deployment. The first batch of 840 ERAM missiles is scheduled for delivery in October 2026.
RAACM & RAACM-ER (U.S.): CoAspire is developing the Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile (RAACM), with an extended-range version (RAACM-ER) unveiled in April 2026 that boasts a range of roughly 1,800 km.
OWE 500+ (Europe): A joint initiative by Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and Great Britain to develop a low-cost, 500+ km range cruise missile.
Chorus (France): Developed by Renault and Turgis Gaillard, this 3,000 km range missile is designed for mass production at a cost of roughly US$117,200.
Narwhal (Czech Republic): Developed by LPP and scheduled to be fielded by 2026.
Project Brakestop (UK): A Ministry of Defence initiative to produce a ground-launched one-way effector, heavy (OWE-H) with a range over 500 km, aiming for production in 2025/2026.
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Further, the locals in China's backyard aren't sitting around waiting for the US
Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia are rapidly expanding their long-range precision missile inventories, focusing on strike capabilities to counter China and North Korea. Japan is deploying upgraded 1,000-km range Type-12 cruise missiles, while Taiwan produces thousands of cruise missiles, including the Hsiung Feng IIE. South Korea and Australia are increasing arsenals, often in coordination with the US, which faces supply strains.
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Japan: Actively deploying upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship guided missiles with ranges of up to 1,000 km, aimed at bolstering deterrence against China. Japan is also increasing its production capabilities and procurement of foreign systems.
South Korea: Possesses advanced, high-precision ballistic and cruise missiles designed to counter North Korean threats. Its missile systems are technically advanced, with ongoing production efforts to expand their arsenal, which is under pressure to maintain high readiness.
Taiwan: Maintains a significant, growing arsenal of thousands of domestic and US-supplied missiles (with ranges of 300–1000+ km) designed for deterrence and self-defense, including the Hsiung Feng IIE land-attack cruise missile.
Philippines: Focuses on acquiring shore-based anti-ship cruise missiles to defend its maritime territory, often in partnership with other nations, though its arsenal is smaller compared to others listed.
Australia: Deepening defense ties with Japan and the US, acquiring advanced, long-range missile capabilities to enhance its strike power, with a focus on interoperability with US systems.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies
The overall trend indicates a rapid buildup and diversification of missile assets in these nations to address regional insecurity.
www.cnbc.com
www.theguardian.com
www.navylookout.com
www.militarytimes.com
