The United States has encountered ammunition shortages due to its war with Iran. This was confirmed in a report from the Department of Defense Inspector General released on Monday, contradicting earlier statements by Donald Trump, the President of the country, about having full stockpiles.
Report on Operational Costs and Shortages
According to this report, specifically prepared for Congress, from February 28 to June 30, the cost of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is estimated to be around $33.4 billion, which includes $22.3 billion spent on consumable ammunition. These costs have led to strategic shortages in ammunition stockpiles and caused problems in the supply chain for replenishing ammunition.
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Pentagon Actions to Address Shortages
To address these shortages and delays, the Pentagon is working on streamlining supply processes and production times and has been gathering critical materials, components, and ammunition. However, significant time is needed to expand production capacities.
This shortage is likely to raise concerns for countries like Ukraine and Taiwan, which rely on purchasing weapons from the United States to counter their large and hostile neighbors. Ukraine urgently needs more interceptors for the U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, while Taiwan depends on arms agreements with Washington to counter China.
The Trump administration has repeatedly dismissed concerns about dwindling weapon stockpiles during the six months of war in the Middle East and recently stated that the United States has "virtually unlimited stockpiles" of ammunition.
The report also mentions damages to the American fleet, including the destruction of four F-15 fighters, damage to one F-35 fighter, and damages to several other aircraft. Additionally, the main logistics facility of the U.S. Navy in the region, located in Bahrain, has been targeted by Iranian attacks.
As of June 30, seven U.S. service members have been killed in OEF operations, and 417 others have been injured. The U.S. and Israel's war against Iran began on February 28.
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