US Warns Allies of Long Delays in Weapon Deliveries Due to Iran War

Washington has informed European allies, including the UK, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia, to expect significant delays in US weapon deliveries. This is due to the Pentagon's efforts to replenish stockpiles depleted by the war with Iran, according to the Financial Times, citing nine sources.

The Pentagon has notified countries of serious delays affecting HIMARS, NASAMS, and other missile systems. Discussions are also underway regarding postponing shipments to Asia. These delays stem from concerns over US inventory levels after high weapon expenditure in Iran over the past two months. The US military has already moved weapons from other regions, including the Indo-Pacific, to compensate for shortfalls. The Iran war has also raised concerns about US capacity to deter or prevail against China in a Taiwan conflict.

US allies and partners using NASAMS include Taiwan, Norway, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Indonesia, Australia, Hungary, Ukraine, Denmark, Qatar, and Oman. Fourteen US partners use HIMARS, including Taiwan, Ukraine, Poland, Estonia, Australia, and the UAE. The delays are not punitive but reflect US stockpile concerns, as the Pentagon may need to fight a long war in the Middle East and bolster deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Asian allies, including Japan and South Korea, are also expected to face delays for systems like Patriot missile interceptors. Japan is already frustrated with delays for Tomahawk cruise missiles. Production cannot quickly catch up, with Admiral Samuel Paparo stating it could take up to two years for major contractors to scale production. Ukraine has already experienced delays in US weapon deliveries since the Iran war began, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noting empty Patriot launchers during Russian attacks.