Publication date:
July 30, 2024
US Ammunition Shortages Raise Concerns in Potential Conflict with China
A commission warns that the US could deplete its ammunition stockpiles within weeks in a potential war with China, highlighting critical defense industry inadequacies.
Defense Industry
A recent report by a Congressional commission has raised alarming concerns about the United States' readiness for a potential conflict with China, particularly regarding ammunition stockpiles. The eight-person commission, which includes a retired Army general and former government officials, warns that the US could exhaust its munitions inventories in as little as three to four weeks in a conflict with China.
The report highlights that some critical munitions, such as anti-ship missiles, might be depleted within days. This shortage persists despite recent efforts to intensify arms production to support Ukraine in its war against russian aggression.
The commission's findings are based on various sources, including unclassified wargames and previous reports from think tanks. They emphasize that the problem extends beyond the US, citing examples of ammunition shortages among allies, such as the United Kingdom.
Beyond ammunition concerns, the report paints a broader picture of inadequacies in the US defense industry. It states that current industrial production is insufficient to meet national needs, even during peacetime. The commission calls for fundamental changes in how the Department of Defense functions, proposing strategies such as an "all elements of national power" approach that would integrate private and civil sectors into defense planning.
The report also suggests adopting a "Multiple Theater Force Construct" to prepare for large-scale conflicts against multiple world powers simultaneously, moving beyond the traditional "two-war construct" strategy.
Importantly, the commission highlights a lack of public awareness regarding these national security threats. They stress the need for a bipartisan effort to inform Americans about the potential impacts of a major war on all aspects of civilian life, from utilities to internet services.
This report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and the public alike, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these critical defense shortfalls to maintain US military readiness and deterrence capabilities in an increasingly complex global security environment.
The report highlights that some critical munitions, such as anti-ship missiles, might be depleted within days. This shortage persists despite recent efforts to intensify arms production to support Ukraine in its war against russian aggression.
The commission's findings are based on various sources, including unclassified wargames and previous reports from think tanks. They emphasize that the problem extends beyond the US, citing examples of ammunition shortages among allies, such as the United Kingdom.
Beyond ammunition concerns, the report paints a broader picture of inadequacies in the US defense industry. It states that current industrial production is insufficient to meet national needs, even during peacetime. The commission calls for fundamental changes in how the Department of Defense functions, proposing strategies such as an "all elements of national power" approach that would integrate private and civil sectors into defense planning.
The report also suggests adopting a "Multiple Theater Force Construct" to prepare for large-scale conflicts against multiple world powers simultaneously, moving beyond the traditional "two-war construct" strategy.
Importantly, the commission highlights a lack of public awareness regarding these national security threats. They stress the need for a bipartisan effort to inform Americans about the potential impacts of a major war on all aspects of civilian life, from utilities to internet services.
This report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and the public alike, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these critical defense shortfalls to maintain US military readiness and deterrence capabilities in an increasingly complex global security environment.
