U.S. officials have revealed the scale of what they described as an “unprecedented depletion” in the strategic ammunition stockpiles of the American military due to the ongoing war with Iran, warning that this severe shortage could hinder the United States’ ability to defend Taiwan in the event of a potential Chinese invasion.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. military has launched more than 1,000 long-range Tomahawk missiles, along with between 1,500 and 2,000 air defense missiles since the outbreak of the confrontation with Tehran.
The report indicated that the pace of consumption has exceeded production line capacities, with the Pentagon estimating that full replenishment of these munitions could take up to six years of continuous work.
As an emergency measure, the Pentagon has begun redirecting missiles and munitions that were originally designated for European allies to the U.S. military’s direct stockpiles in order to cover the shortfall.
