Politico: The US war in Iran is depleting its arsenal, and Europe is concerned about Trump's priority of protecting Israel and Taiwan

American allies in Europe are worried that due to the Iran war, they may not be able to receive weapons they previously ordered. Specifically, the EU is concerned that the weapons they ordered from the US may be delayed or even not delivered at all. The Pentagon prioritizes replenishing its own arsenal, withholding the goods awaiting delivery.

This is crucial because after transferring a large number of weapons to Ukraine, Europe is trying to rebuild its own arsenal. Meanwhile, America's allies in Asia are concerned that the large consumption of military ammunition in the Middle East conflict could weaken the deterrent effect against China and North Korea.

The Trump administration has insisted that allies increase defense budgets and encourage them to purchase American weapons, from intercepting missiles to guided bombs. But a considerable portion of these munitions is currently being consumed by the United States itself in the Middle East conflict. A European official pointed out that the munitions consumed in the war are exactly those systems that allies were encouraged to purchase in large quantities.

Currently, it has already been openly admitted in Europe that the US will prioritize its own interests as well as the priorities of key partners (Israel and Taiwan). Therefore, some governments have begun to actively pursue diversification of weapon procurement.

Within the EU, there has been a push for rules favoring European defense manufacturers. Some countries have also turned to alternative suppliers: for example, Poland purchased tanks and artillery from South Korea.

The problem is not limited to allies

There are also warnings of depleted ammunition stocks domestically in the United States. First involved are Tomahawk missiles, Patriot PAC-3 intercept missiles, and shipboard air defense systems.

Recently, Trump stated that defense companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, RTX (formerly Raytheon), and Lockheed Martin have agreed to quadruple the production of modern weapons.

However, experts point out that rapidly increasing the production of complex missile systems is almost impossible, as the production cycle of the defense industry is very long.

Notably, the EU emphasized that Ukraine needs more than 2,000 air defense system missiles per year to effectively resist Russian attacks. In just three months of winter, Ukraine consumed 700 air defense missiles - equivalent to what allies consumed in three days of the anti-Iran war.

The Ukrainian cabinet has also pointed out that Ukraine is seriously lacking in anti-missile missiles because Russia launches missiles at a speed far exceeding the rate at which Western partners can produce new stocks.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859027181791244/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.