Recent conflicts, such as the Ukraine crisis, have exposed critical ammunition shortages within the Western military alliance. As tensions with China escalate, think tanks warn that the US and its NATO allies are inadequately prepared to respond to a conflict over Taiwan.
Amidst these concerns, former President Donald Trump proposes a novel solution for funding the replenishment of US weapons sent to Ukraine, suggesting that European allies should foot the bill.
With Ammunition Shortages Highlighted by the Ukraine Conflict which has prompted US think tanks to assess the readiness of the Western military and find it lacking. The Financial Times reports that NATO allies are also unable to provide assistance in addressing ammunition shortages.
According to a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) wargame, the US possesses only about 450 long-range anti-ship missiles, barely enough to last a week in a conflict with China over Taiwan. The Center for New American Security (CNAS) further points out that the existing missile inventory is insufficient to deter or counteract an initial invasion by China.
To address these deficiencies, the US Department of Defense has requested $1.1 billion in the 2024 fiscal year to buy 118 long-range anti-ship missiles. The Pentagon is also seeking $30 billion for ammunition, a 23% increase from 2023 levels, and $315 billion for new weapons. However, experts at CNAS note that the Pentagon often prioritizes major assets like ships, planes, and tanks, leaving missiles and munitions underfunded.
The defence industry’s reliance on just-in-time supply chains and a lack of redundancy in critical components leave it ill-prepared to scale up production in wartime. The consolidation of defence contractors and limited suppliers exacerbates the problem, hindering the industry’s ability to meet increased demand during conflicts.
The Western powers have provided significant military and financial aid to Ukraine since February 2022, but Kiev continues to face ammunition shortages. Former President Donald Trump proposes that European allies should contribute to the replenishment of US stockpiles sent to Ukraine, suggesting that they pay for the replacement of weapons used in the conflict.
In a campaign video, Trump pledges to restore “America-first” foreign policies and prioritize “peace and stability” upon his potential re-election. He criticizes President Biden’s handling of the military and claims that the current administration’s policies have weakened US security.
Trump emphasizes the need to avoid risking war with nuclear-armed nations and promises to address the embarrassing recruitment situation within the military.
As geopolitical tensions rise, concerns over the Western military’s preparedness come to the forefront. Ammunition shortages and inadequacies in missile inventory challenge the alliance’s ability to effectively respond to potential conflicts, especially with China. Former President Trump proposes a unique funding solution for replenishing US weapons sent to Ukraine, adding to the broader discussion on defence spending and priorities within the international community.
The question remains as to hold long will the Europeans continue to pour money into a bottomless hole at the expense of their citizens.
