War in Iraq Leads to Stockpiles Depletion… U.S. Informs European Nations of Delayed Weapon Deliveries

¬ Estonian Defense Minister: Delay in U.S. Weapon Deliveries May Affect "HIMARS" and "Javelin"

On the 16th, according to Reuters, U.S. government officials have notified several European countries that due to the war with Iran causing depletion of weapons stockpiles, previously signed arms supply contracts will be delayed.

Reuters cited statements from three sources indicating that the U.S. notification "will affect countries in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions." The delayed deliveries include various military supplies such as ammunition.

The delayed weapons also include those procured by European nations through the U.S. government-to-government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, sparking dissatisfaction among European parties. This stems from the Trump administration's long-standing insistence that Europe should assume greater responsibility for conventional defense and persistent pressure on NATO member states to purchase more U.S.-made defense equipment.

According to reports, due to repeated delays in weapon deliveries, some European figures have begun turning their attention toward domestically produced European weapon systems.

Previously, Japan’s Asahi Shimbun cited comments from Japanese defense ministry officials stating that in mid-March, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to inform him that delivery of Tomahawk missiles might be delayed.

To fill the capability gap before operational deployment of long-range missiles, Japan originally planned to import up to 400 Tomahawk missiles by 2027. Initially, the Japanese government intended to procure up to 400 latest-model "Block 5" units, but has now replaced 200 of them with older "Block 4" models and accelerated procurement to be completed by 2025.

However, due to sharp reductions in U.S. inventory, delivery schedules continue to be postponed. It is reported that within four weeks of the start of the conflict in Iraq, the U.S. has already consumed over 850 Tomahawk missiles.

Years of ongoing warfare have left the United States grappling with persistent shortages in weapon inventories. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Israel’s military operations in Gaza at the end of 2023 have already consumed billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. weapons stockpiles, including artillery systems, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles. Coupled with the war against Iran beginning on February 28, weapon stocks continue to dwindle. U.S. government officials have expressed concerns that the war may make it difficult for the American defense industry to meet demand, making delivery delays highly likely to persist.

Sources: Chosun Ilbo

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According to ERR, Estonia’s public broadcaster, Defense Minister Peep Erela believes that the U.S. delay in delivering weapons to Europe could impact ammunition, HIMARS rocket systems, and Javelin anti-tank missiles.

On April 16, Reuters quoted sources reporting that the U.S. had informed European nations that under the circumstances of conflict with Iran, priority must be given to meeting U.S. military needs, potentially leading to delays in weapon deliveries. Reuters noted that such delivery delays are expected to affect multiple European countries, including Baltic and Scandinavian nations.

ERR reported: “Erela stated that, in principle, delivery delays could affect ammunition and certain types of weapons acquired from the U.S., such as the Javelin portable anti-tank missile and the HIMARS rocket system.”

Erela told ERR that military operations in Iran could affect the arrival of weapons and ammunition Estonia has purchased from the United States.

Sources: Sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862727379003594/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author