Weapons shortage in US stalls deliveries to Europe, putting Ukraine aid at risk
Photo: Patriot missile system (Getty Images)
The United States has begun delaying weapons deliveries to its European allies. The reason is the critical depletion of American stockpiles due to the prolonged war with Iran, according to Reuters.
The delays affect contracts that had already been signed and paid for in advance, agency sources say. Several countries holding strategically important positions on the continent are involved.
The greatest concern is being voiced in the Baltic region and Scandinavia. These countries share borders with Russia, making weapons supplies a matter of national security. At the same time, Europe must also share weapons with Ukraine, so the delays will have a negative impact across the board.
The weapons were purchased under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program—an official mechanism in which the US government acts as an intermediary. But even government guarantees cannot offset the shortages. Washington has already informed its allies about the delays.
Depleted stockpiles: from Ukraine to Iran
US arsenals are not unlimited, and the war against Iran, which began with massive airstrikes on February 28, became the last straw. However, the problems started much earlier.
American stockpiles have been gradually shrinking:
- since 2022 — due to aid to Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression;
- since late 2023 — due to military support for Israel in the Gaza Strip;
- since early 2026 — due to confrontation with Tehran.
A particular shortage is being observed in the air defense segment. Tehran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Persian Gulf countries, and the US has been using PAC-3 Patriot interceptors extensively to shoot them down. These are the same interceptors that Ukraine critically needs to defend against Russian ballistic missiles, and that European countries rely on to deter Russia.
Diplomatic tensions and Washington's complaints
Frustration is growing in European capitals, with officials saying the delays are putting them in a difficult position. Some are already calling for a shift toward exclusively European-made weapons.
For years, the US pushed its NATO partners to buy American-made systems. Now Washington is struggling to fulfill its own commitments.
At the White House, officials are blaming Europe for its lack of action. They argue that weapons are needed in the Middle East because European countries are not helping the US and Israel secure the Strait of Hormuz.
What's happening with US defense industry and missiles for Ukraine
Amid a surge in orders and domestic demand, Donald Trump is considering involving automakers in weapons production. US defense officials are discussing the use of manufacturing capacity from General Motors and Ford Motor.
Against the backdrop of the supply crisis, European countries have decided to focus more on domestic production of critical ammunition, including for aid to Ukraine. According to the EU’s defense commissioner, Russia still produces significantly more weapons than EU countries.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Armed Forces are being forced to conserve their stock of Patriot missiles. Due to the intensity of Russian attacks, troops have to use their ammunition sparingly.
Recently, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is currently facing a critical shortage of Patriot air defense systems. Kyiv will have even fewer weapons if the war drags on.
