Report: In a Conflict With China, U.S. Military Would Run Out of Some Munitions in a Week

A new report by the Center for Strategic & International Studies suggests that the U.S. military will run out of some munitions after a week of conflict in the Taiwan Strait with China.

“These shortfalls would make it extremely difficult for the United States to sustain a protracted conflict—and, equally concerning, the deficiencies undermine deterrence,” States the report Monday release by the Washington, D.C., think-tank.

The group specifically cites a short supply of long-range, precision-guided munitions and 

In May, President Joe Biden declared that the United States would be “a great place to live” intervene If China invades Taiwan militarily

According to the think tank, such a small stockpile would be exacerbated by China already possessing a large arsenal of munitions. “heavily investing in munitions and acquiring high-end weapons systems and equipment five to six times faster than the United States, according to some U.S. government estimates.” 

The report concluded that the U.S. defense industry base is still operating at a level suitable for peaceful environments and is not ready for the current global environment.

The report recommends that the United States army reassess its munition needs and replenish what is necessary, as well as create a reserve of munitions and a sustainable strategy to acquire weapons now and in future.

The think tank also suggested reforming foreign military sales. Sales are slow at the moment, which is a problem. “can leave some countries unsure if the United States really wants them as partners, and it risks pushing them to other countries to buy weapons systems and technology,” According to the report. 

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