Last Updated:
Several European countries are facing delays in receiving missile and air-defence systems, according to officials cited by Bloomberg.
US Army Paratroopers fire a 155mm round from an M777 howitzer during a field artillery exercise in the Middle East. (Image: CENTCOM)
The US has warned allies that deliveries of some key weapons could be delayed by as much as five years as Washington works to rebuild munitions stocks depleted during the war with Iran, Bloomberg reported on Friday.
Several European countries are facing delays in receiving missile and air-defence systems, according to officials cited by Bloomberg. Germany has asked Washington to speed up deliveries of long-range Tomahawk missiles and the ground-based Typhon launcher, but US stocks of some weapons have been heavily reduced during the conflict.
The delays could also affect Ukraine, as the US gives priority to rebuilding its own stocks. Kyiv has been seeking additional Patriot air-defence interceptors ahead of winter, with its requests facing pressure from the US effort to replenish its arsenal.
Pentagon Reports Munitions Shortfalls
The Bloomberg report comes days after a Pentagon Inspector General report highlighted shortages and supply problems linked to heavy US weapons use during the Iran war.
The report said the US military had faced “strategic inventory shortfalls” and “industrial base bottlenecks” affecting the supply of munitions. It offered a rare public look at the pressure on US weapons stocks.
The US spent about $22.3 billion on munitions between February 28 and June 30, according to the report.
The Inspector General said the Defence Department was working to reduce procurement delays and speed up production to improve its ability to respond to future military needs.
White House Rejects Shortage Claims
The findings have come amid a dispute over the state of US weapons stocks. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly dismissed reports of shortages, saying US munitions supplies are “virtually unlimited”.
On Tuesday, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly had also rejected the assessment, saying the US military had “more than enough munitions, ammo, and stockpiles” to meet the President’s strategic goals.
(With inputs from agencies)
Quick Answers
Ask News18The US has warned allies that weapons deliveries face up to five-year delays because Washington needs to rebuild munitions stocks heavily depleted during the conflict with Iran.
Ask News18About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More
United States of America (USA)
September 19, 2026, 02:35 IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
