Iran war drains US weapons stocks, strengthening Russia and China
Photo: Israeli defense technology company Rafael (Getty Images)
The US is facing a depletion of stockpiles of many critical weapons systems, which could affect its readiness for a potential conflict with Russia or China, according to The New York Times.
According to the publication, Russian and Chinese military officials are closely monitoring the rate at which the US is expending ammunition and other weapons in the war. Washington fears that Moscow and Beijing may factor this information into their own military planning.
The situation has become particularly pronounced amid the large-scale use of American weapons in the current conflict with Iran. The Pentagon has expended significant quantities of missiles and air defense systems, stockpiles of which are difficult to replenish quickly.
One of the challenges is the lengthy production cycle for complex weapons systems. Even with increased defense industry funding, replenishing stockpiles could take considerable time.
The US is also concerned that a potential conflict with China would require far larger quantities of weapons, particularly given the scale of possible combat operations in the Pacific region.
At the same time, US officials have emphasized that the United States retains the necessary military capabilities.
Nevertheless, the situation regarding weapons stockpiles has become one of the factors driving the Pentagon to accelerate production and replenish its arsenals.
