Concerns about U.S. military preparedness have been heightened by stark revelations about long-range missile stockpiles and potential conflict with China.
At a Glance
- The U.S. defense industrial base is unprepared for a potential conflict with China, particularly in the Taiwan Strait.
- U.S. munitions stockpiles, especially long-range precision-guided munitions, would be depleted in less than a week in such a conflict.
- The U.S. lacks adequate surge capacity for a protracted war, while China is rapidly acquiring high-end weapons systems.
- Timelines for a potential conflict in Asia may be shrinking, with concerns about a Chinese move against Taiwan within six years.
U.S. Defense Industrial Base Shortfalls
A recent report has highlighted significant gaps in the U.S. military’s preparedness for a conflict with China. War game simulations revealed that America’s long-range missile supplies could be exhausted in a matter of weeks. The depletion raises concerns over sustained military operations, and highlights the need for an urgent review of the nation’s missile stockpiles and strategic resources.
The United States Defense Industrial Base is currently unprepared for a potential conflict with China, especially in the strategically significant Taiwan Strait. Long-range precision-guided munitions are notably at risk, and without rectification, the nation faces a dangerous shortfall. Experts say that as China continues to rapidly acquire high-end weapons systems, the need for a robust defense strategy becomes paramount.
Lessons from Ukraine
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine likewise increases the necessity for a robust and sustainable defense industry and a capable industrial base to withstand extended engagements. As Admiral Philip Davidson warned that the window of time for a potential Chinese move against Taiwan is “in the next six years.”
Military leaders say the U.S. must address challenges within its defense industrial base to ensure wartime readiness, and that supply chain constraints, such as workforce issues and reliance on single sources for key components, further complicate matters.
The United States and its allies “absolutely do not have enough of the critical munitions that we need, especially what is called the preferred munitions—the ones that are precise in targeting,” U.S. Lieutenant General (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, recently told reporters.
Even more concerning is the prolonged replacement time for munitions and weapons systems, which can take years to produce.
