Poland and other NATO allies are growing increasingly concerned that the United States may not be able to deliver the advanced weaponry they have ordered. The wars in Ukraine and the conflict with Iran have severely depleted American stockpiles of key munitions and missile systems.
According to a report by The Guardian, the U.S. has delayed or cancelled deliveries of several critical weapons systems to European countries this year. These include Tomahawk cruise missiles, HIMARS mobile rocket launchers, and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptor missiles. The shortfalls are causing unease in European capitals, even as they try to avoid open friction with the Trump administration.
Us stocks depleted by global conflicts
By April, the United States had used roughly half of its PAC-3 interceptor inventory during the war with Iran. These missiles are also vital for Ukraine’s defense against Russian missile attacks and would be essential for protecting Europe in a potential confrontation with Moscow. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that replenishing U.S. stocks of Patriot missiles alone may take around 42 months. Before the Iran conflict, the U.S. was believed to possess approximately 2,330 such interceptors.
Current backlogs affect about 20 countries waiting for Patriot missile deliveries. One European diplomat, speaking anonymously, pointed out that the problem is not only due to drained stocks from wars in Iran and Ukraine. He also cited a shift of military resources from Europe to Asia, and noted that interceptors are prioritized for allies like Israel. – We are not the number one customer – the diplomat added.
Nato allies under pressure to spend more on us arms
The United States is demanding that NATO members increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP, with a significant portion intended for purchases from American defense contractors. However, as The Guardian notes, questions are now emerging about whether future investments in U.S. weaponry will actually be fulfilled. The situation exposes the vulnerability of European defense strategies that rely heavily on American supplies.
For Poland, one of the largest European buyers of American military equipment including HIMARS launchers, Patriot systems, and Abrams tanks, the delays are particularly concerning. Warsaw has been rapidly modernizing its armed forces and is heavily dependent on timely deliveries. The current bottlenecks suggest that even the most loyal allies cannot count on guaranteed access to U.S. stockpiles during times of global crisis. This reality may force European nations to diversify their procurement and invest more in domestic production capabilities.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock
