WE HAVE A PROBLEM: GIVING WEAPONS TO UKRAINE DEPLETED OUR AMMO
Sharing is caring, and since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the United States has been using its generosity to supply the underdog nation with plenty of weaponry. But as the U.S. sends weapons to Ukraine, we're starting to see a growing problem — we’re running out of ammo. Our stockpiles were always going to get lighter sending weapons to Ukraine, but some experts are now expressing concerns that we don’t have enough to go into battle with. Suggested read:Giving the A 10 Thunderbolt to Ukraine Could Solve Our Problems...or Not
Pentagon Believes Sending Weapons to Ukraine Depleted Stockpile
As reported by the Wall Street Journal and numerous other outlets, the Ukraine War is depleting U.S. ammunition stockpiles, sparking Pentagon concern. Described as “uncomfortably low,” the level of ammo has officials at the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) taking notice. Of notable concern are the levels of 155mm Howitzer ammunition left for the United States. America has sent around 806,000 rounds to Kyiv, Ukraine, leaving a Pentagon official who spoke anonymously to comment on the matter saying, “It is not at the level we would like to go into combat.” Sending weapons to Ukraine means sourcing them from many means. In a lot of cases, they're extra weapons not in use; however, 155mm ammo is still needed for American operations both in the present and future. Specifically, the American Armed Forces will continue to have their eyes on both Europe and Asia. While the Middle East is still a source of conflict for Americans, both Russia and China continue to add pressure on American interests, and having a lower supply of ammunition is less than ideal should a conflict become unavoidable.
Is the U.S. Sending Weapons to Ukraine?
Yes, billions of dollars of weapons have been sent to the Ukraine military. The sending of U.S. weapons to Ukraine has taken place through multiple packages given to stop the invasion of Russia. Initially, many around the world believed that this war would be over fairly quickly. On paper, Russia is considered a much stronger power with better training, equipment, access to resources, and any other tactical advantage one might think of. But the international backlash against the Russian government was swift and fierce. Going beyond economic sanctions and blacklisting, many governments, including the U.S., have been sending weaponry to Ukraine to help them defend their nation. The results have had many repercussions, including a war that was thought to only last a few weeks spanning now over several months. Having an influx of weapons in Ukraine has helped their nation continue to fight and demoralize Russian troops in the process.
Looking to the Defense Industry
As the war continues to drag on from weeks to months, the U.S. and other members of NATO are turning to other options. Clearly, giving away weaponry is not sustainable, as we’ve already reached some thresholds of concern by doing so. NATO members have been working with defense companies to boost weapons supplies in Ukraine as a means of supplying the country. The U.S. made this intention clear with its $3 billion aid package in August, which aimed at sourcing weaponry from defense contractors rather than our own stockpiles.
What Weapons Are Being Sent to Ukraine?
The list of weapons sent to Ukraine continues to grow. From the U.S. alone, the Pentagon has sent the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stinger anti-air missiles, VAMPIRE system, and plenty of smaller arms and ammunition to keep Russian forces at bay. So far, the U.S. has sent $14 billion in aid to Ukraine, with various other weapons, including anti-tank mines, air defense systems, grenades, medical car supplies, and other necessities, coming from other countries like Germany. Getting weapons to Ukraine has also posed several logistical issues, and sending weapons from defense contractors could delay their arrival. But especially because we don’t know when this war will end or what the future holds, America must balance its own needs while helping out a nation in crisis. Read next:From Washington With Love: Sending HIMARS Missiles to Ukraine