To meet its supply needs, the Pentagon is currently reviewing how best to arm Ukraine while also meeting its own.
After billions of dollars being approved by the White House, US troops are running out of certain types of ammunition. “lethal aid”Several military officers spoke to the Wall Street Journal under oath about Ukraine’s February situation.
Washington supplied Kiev large quantities of ammunition, including up 806,000 155mm Howitzer rounds, as well as thousands of drones, guns, rockets, artillery platforms, and rocket launchers. Stocks of these munitions are in good condition. “uncomfortably low,”Journal received an anonymous Pentagon official as an interview.
“It is not at the level we would like to go into combat,”The official said that the US was not involved at the moment in major conflicts, but added that the 155mm round have yet to reach the US. “critical” levels.
Due to a shortage of supplies, the Army was forced to conduct an operation. “ammunitions industrial base deep dive,”In which it will make decisions about how to keep its supply levels up while continuing to aid the Ukrainian military. Up to now, $14 billion has been spent by the United States on weaponry for Kiev.
The military has also called on lawmakers to authorize $500 million in upgrades for Army ammunition plants, though the WSJ reports shortages are not due to a lack of funding, as US President Joe Biden’s latest budget request of $773 billion is likely to cover replenishment costs.
A Journal industry representative said that it takes suppliers around 18 months to make new ammunition. However, more advanced weapons like missiles will likely take longer. While the Army, along with other branches, continue to fulfil existing contracts with ammunition manufacturers they have not yet signed agreements to deal for increasing shortages.
Since Washington intensified its arms deliveries to Kiev in February, some suppliers say the Pentagon is simply not communicating the needs of the military, which has created “delays”Contractors left “unable to prepare for more production,”The outlet stated.
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