U.S. Indo-Pacific Command head Admiral Samuel Paparo warned on Tuesday that U.S. weapons stockpiles are being depleted by military aid to Ukraine and Israel, raising concerns about the ability to respond to potential threats from China in the Indo-Pacific.
The U.S. has supplied billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, including advanced systems like Patriot missiles, HIMARS rocket systems, and ATACMs. In response to recent tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. has also deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel. Paparo stated that while earlier weapons aid involved primarily artillery and short-range munitions, the transfer of advanced systems has begun to strain U.S. inventories.
“It’s now eating into stocks, and to say otherwise would be dishonest,” Paparo told Brookings Institution, adding that these systems are essential for maintaining readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
Paparo highlighted the Indo-Pacific as the most demanding theater for U.S. forces, given the potential threat from China. The People’s Republic of China has ramped up military pressure on Taiwan, conducting frequent military drills and incursions into Taiwanese airspace and waters. U.S. war games suggest that in a conflict scenario, critical munitions such as anti-ship missiles could be exhausted in days.
The U.S. defense budget for 2024 is $850 billion, yet production capacity for advanced weapons remains limited. A congressional review earlier this year found that current stockpiles may not be sufficient for a prolonged conflict involving Russia, China, or both. Admiral John Aquilino, Paparo’s predecessor, warned that China could be prepared to invade Taiwan as early as 2027, heightening the urgency for action.
Amid concerns, Paparo joined other military leaders in urging increased investment in weapons production. “We should replenish those stocks,” he said, warning that delays could weaken the U.S.’s ability to deter aggression in the region.
