The Pentagon announced a $22.9bn contract with Raytheon on Monday to accelerate deliveries of Tomahawk missiles, amid reports that US missile stocks have been strained by the war with Iran.

Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the deal would speed up deliveries “at unprecedented speed” to meet current operational demands.

A recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that US stocks of Patriot and THAAD interceptors have been cut by roughly half or more since the conflict with Iran began in late February.

The Washington Post also reported that President Donald Trump had pressed Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth for answers over munitions shortages, though both later denied that US missile stocks were running low.

Tomahawk missiles are launched mainly from submarines and warships and have a range of more than 1,600km.