Relocation of US arms from Europe may expose vulnerabilities in US global military posture – report

A Wall Street Journal report indicates that US military planners are concerned about dwindling munitions stores, which could compromise the US's ability to defend against potential threats from Russia and China. Officials familiar with the matter described the situation as “beyond critical,” noting that arms relocated from Europe and Asia to the Middle East have created shortages that may take years to replenish. This has led to concerns that the US may be unable to fully execute contingency plans to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, and has forced US European Command to adjust operational plans due to low levels of defense assets in Europe, including precision strike munitions and interceptors. Despite these concerns, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated, “the United States Military has more than enough munitions, ammo, and stockpiles to serve all of President Trump's strategic goals and beyond.”