Iran War Drains US Advanced Missile Supplies, Analyst: Vulnerable to Enemy Attacks

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON—The Wall Street Journal, citing a statement from a high-ranking US military official, reports that major defence companies in the United States will need between one and two years to increase the rate and volume of production of advanced ammunition.

This comes amid rising concerns in Congress regarding the ability to quickly replenish depleted stockpiles in the Middle East region.

During a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, explained that expanding production would take one to two years, adding, “It will not be fast enough.”

He noted limitations on current stockpiles, while emphasising that they are being used wisely, including Tomahawk and Patriot missiles.

Challenges in the defence industry

This occurs as the US defence industry faces constraints in the supply chain, coupled with the need to build new facilities and recruit skilled labour.

Paparo also highlighted the need to collaborate with non-traditional contractors to develop new systems, including hypersonic weapons, low-cost cruise missiles, and unmanned aircraft.

In the same context, the CNN network, citing sources familiar with the US Department of Defense’s internal assessment, reports a massive depletion of major missile stockpiles during the war with Iran.

This creates short-term risks in the form of potential ammunition shortages if new conflicts arise in the coming years.