Pentagon Report Warns of Ammunition Shortages Amid Iran War

WASHINGTON: A report by the US Department of Defense Inspector General submitted to Congress has warned that the ongoing war with Iran has placed significant pressure on American ammunition supplies and exposed challenges in replenishing strategic stockpiles.

According to the report, the United States spent approximately $33.4 billion on Operation Epic Fury between February 28 and June 30, with around $22.3 billion of that amount spent on ammunition.

The report said the large-scale use of munitions during the conflict reduced US strategic reserves and exposed weaknesses in the industrial base responsible for replacing and replenishing weapons.

It noted that restoring ammunition stocks could face production and supply-chain constraints, potentially creating challenges for maintaining adequate reserves during a prolonged conflict.

The report also documented significant US military equipment losses and damage during the war.

According to the assessment, four F-15 fighter aircraft were destroyed, while an F-35 and seven KC-135 tanker aircraft were damaged.

As many as 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones were also reportedly destroyed during the conflict.

The reported losses have added to concerns over the pressure placed on US military inventories and the costs associated with replacing advanced weapons systems.

President Donald Trump has rejected concerns over US ammunition availability.

Trump said the United States had an almost unlimited supply of medium- and high-end munitions and was prepared to deal with any emergency.

His comments differ from the concerns outlined in the Inspector General’s report regarding declining stockpiles and difficulties in rapidly replacing weapons used during the conflict.

Military analyst Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said US stockpiles could be sufficient for the conflict with Iran but argued that a potential war with China would present a much greater challenge.

Cancian said the United States could maintain an adequate supply for only around one month in a major conflict with China, according to the information provided.

The assessment highlights the difference between sustaining a limited regional conflict and preparing for a prolonged high-intensity confrontation involving a major military power.

The report said US defence officials had previously rejected concerns over ammunition shortages, but the Pentagon has since increased pressure on defence manufacturers to expand production.

A senior official at a major defence company described the situation as “controlled chaos,” reflecting the strain placed on the defence industrial base by accelerated military consumption and efforts to rebuild inventories.

The Inspector General’s findings have renewed debate in Washington over the adequacy of US weapons stockpiles, production capacity and the ability of the defence industry to rapidly replace sophisticated munitions during prolonged military operations.