Since the start of the military operation against Iran, the United States has exhausted its stockpiles of critical munitions, accumulated “over the years“, the Financial Times reported, citing sources.
According to the newspaper, the rapid depletion of the US arsenal also includes its stockpiles of Tomahawk cruise missiles.
“This is a colossal expense for Tomahawk missiles. "The Navy will feel the impact of this expense for several years," the newspaper quoted a source familiar with the use of ammunition by the US military as saying.
It is noted that the increased military spending will increase pressure on the US administration, as the military operation launched jointly with Israel against Iran has caused difficulties for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and has led to a rise in oil prices above $ 100 per barrel. The Pentagon is expected to submit a formal request for up to $50 billion in additional defense funding to the White House and Congress in the coming days, the publication added.
Senator Lisa Murkowski said that “The Pentagon must engage with Congress and be able to provide the requested information and justification“, as any additional bill to fund the military operation in the Middle East could face disagreement in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
According to a source familiar with the situation, cited by the newspaper, the US military will inform Congress about the amount of ammunition spent in the coming days.