The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are severely depleting the United States' critical weapons stockpile, which could limit the US military's ability to respond to a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific region. This was stated by the head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, quoted by the Associated Press, quoted by Focus.
According to the admiral, at the beginning of the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, the weapons used – mainly artillery systems and short-range weapons – posed no immediate problems for US stocks. However, the situation has subsequently changed.
"Now these conflicts are eating away at our stocks, and to say otherwise would be dishonest," Paparo stressed.
China increases military pressure against Taiwan
China is stepping up its military activities around Taiwan, including through large-scale military exercises. In October, 125 Chinese military aircraft took part in operations near the island, which Beijing regards as its territory.
Washington remains Taipei's main partner, providing military assistance under US law.
US military aid to Ukraine and Israel
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the United States has provided Kiev with more than $60.4 billion in military aid, including Patriot air defense systems and ATACMS missiles.
At the same time, the US is supplying ammunition and advanced anti-missile systems to Israel in the context of the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. US forces are also deploying the THAAD system in Israel following Iran's ballistic missile strikes.
Stock worries
Joe Biden's administration has committed to spending the remaining $7.1 billion in available arms stockpiles to support Ukraine before the inauguration of new President Donald Trump.
"We need to replenish those stocks," Paparo pointed out, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen American defense readiness.