Relocation of US arms from Europe may expose vulnerabilities in US global military posture - report

US military planners are increasingly concerned about dwindling munitions stores, which could compromise the nation's ability to defend against potential threats from Russia and China. Officials familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that while full-scale attacks from these adversaries are not considered imminent, the current insufficient weapons stockpiles have created significant vulnerabilities in the US's global military posture.

The situation has been described by some officials as "beyond critical." Arms have been relocated from stockpiles in Europe and Asia to the Middle East, resulting in shortages that could take years to replenish. This redeployment has particularly impacted contingency plans for defending Taiwan against a potential Chinese invasion, as weapons previously stationed in Asia have been moved for use in conflicts elsewhere.

Defense assets in Europe have also reached low levels, raising concerns about the continent's defense against Russia. Stockpiles of critical systems, including Patriot air defense interceptors, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors, and counter-drone systems, are among those affected. The US European Command has reportedly been forced to adjust its operational plans due to these dwindling inventories.

Adding to these concerns, the US has reportedly struggled to produce enough munitions to replenish its own stockpiles. This has led to limitations on the amount of arms sent to Ukraine and other European allies. Some lawmakers have voiced increasing worry over potential Russian hybrid and drone attacks, urging that a Pentagon review of the US military posture in Europe account for such threats.

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beyond critical