The French newspaper "Les Échos": U.S. Ammunition Stockpiles Running Low

U.S. naval forces deployed around Iran have already consumed a substantial number of missiles and munitions.

On the political and geopolitical level, America's reckless adventurism has deeply alarmed its allies in the region.

The first catastrophic consequence of Operation "Epic Wrath" has been the drastic depletion of U.S. military stockpiles. According to the Payne Institute of Public Policy, which focuses on global energy issues, over 11,000 rounds of munitions and missiles were used by U.S. forces within the first sixteen days of the operation’s launch. Meanwhile, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that more than 1,000 high-value missiles were fired during just the first six days—among them over 300 Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The article notes an even graver concern: Iran’s tactic of launching simultaneous waves of missiles and drones has severely depleted U.S. missile defense interceptors—precisely the same reserves that had already been stretched dangerously thin in June 2025 while defending Israel against attacks from Tehran.

A further strategic risk stems from equipment wear and tear, particularly affecting the Navy. The USS "George H. W. Bush" is en route to the theater to relieve the USS "Gerald R. Ford," which suffered a 30-hour fire after operating at sea for over 270 consecutive days. By mid-April, the "Ford" will break the record for the longest single deployment of an aircraft carrier since the Vietnam War, leaving its crew profoundly exhausted.

At this rate of consumption, despite possessing 11 aircraft carriers, the United States may face two- to three-year gaps in carrier deployment capability in certain regions—a warning issued by Stacie Pettyjohn, researcher at the Center for a New American Security.

CSIS expert Tom Karako also pointed out:

"The scale of recent ammunition consumption, coupled with the decline in U.S. missile defense capabilities, is likely to undermine American deterrence in the Pacific for the remainder of this decade."

The article warns that even more critical is the fact that the conflict with Iran is draining U.S. military presence in Asia—one Marine Expeditionary Unit and one carrier strike group have already been withdrawn from Japan, and parts of the THAAD anti-ballistic missile system stationed in South Korea have also been redeployed.

Nations such as Japan and South Korea may well feel abandoned by American commitments. For over a decade, Washington has repeatedly declared Asia as its absolute top strategic priority in confronting competitors. In November 2025, Defense Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed this pledge in Singapore: "No one should doubt America’s commitment to our Indo-Pacific allies and partners… We will continue to support our friends."

This anxiety is already evident: On March 10, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol voiced his frustration—South Korea had no say in the sudden withdrawal of part of its air defense capabilities: "We must always consider how we would defend ourselves should external support vanish." Japan shares similar concerns, given that over 90% of its oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. An economic crisis compounded by a military crisis carries profound implications for Tokyo.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861468176356364/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author