The Guardian reported on 8/7, citing sources, that Pentagon global munitions tracking data reveals US stockpiles of several key munitions have fallen below minimum levels in recent years, coinciding with the previous administration's military aid to Ukraine.
The US military has only about 25% of the Patriot missiles it needs to meet all of the Pentagon's military plans, having used a significant number in the Middle East in recent months.
The Trump administration began reviewing its stockpile of Patriot missiles and other munitions around February. This review accelerated after the US deployed additional interceptor missiles to the Middle East to support Israel against Houthi airstrikes.
The US munitions shortage worsened after Washington's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting retaliatory strikes from Tehran. The Guardian's sources indicate that US Patriot air defense systems fired nearly 30 missiles in response to an Iranian missile attack on the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar.
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A Patriot missile launcher deployed by the US in Poland, 9/2024. *Photo: US Army* |
This situation has raised concerns within the Pentagon that US military operations could be impacted by the shortage of air defense missiles. Elbridge Colby, a Pentagon acquisition official, sent a recommendation to Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg outlining options for conserving munitions, including suspending military aid to Ukraine.
Feinberg then decided to temporarily halt arms transfers to Ukraine. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved this decision, but it appears President Trump was not informed.
In a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month, Trump insisted he had not ordered the Pentagon to freeze arms transfers to Ukraine, according to the Wall Street Journal.
When asked about The Guardian's report, Pentagon spokesperson Bryon McGarry declined to comment on stockpile numbers or operational details. However, he emphasized that the US remains "fully equipped, fully prepared, and globally deployed to meet any challenge."
On 7/7, President Trump announced that Washington would resume military aid and transfer additional defensive weapons to Ukraine, but did not specify a timeline or the types of weapons.
Axios reported that in a phone call with Zelensky last week, President Trump promised to "immediately send 10 Patriot interceptor missiles" to Ukraine and help the country find other sources of weapons.
Pham Giang (*Via The Guardian, War Zone, Axios*)
