The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are significantly depleting the United States’ air defense stocks, according to Admiral Sam Paparo, a senior US commander in the Indo-Pacific region. Paparo made the statement on November 19 during a public event, as reported by Reuters.
He acknowledged that supplies of Patriot missiles and air-to-air missiles, which have been sent to support these regions, are now running low. “It would be dishonest not to say this,” Paparo remarked, highlighting the strain on US defense resources.
This revelation is likely to draw attention from the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed skepticism about the war in Ukraine and has been critical of President Joe Biden’s preparedness for potential conflict with China.
Paparo pointed out that the depletion of air defense stocks has added pressure on the US military’s overall readiness, particularly as China remains one of the most capable adversaries.
The Biden administration has consistently armed Ukraine and Israel with advanced air defense systems. The US Navy has also been protecting maritime trade in the Red Sea from missile and drone attacks launched by Houthi rebels in Yemen.
In the case of Ukraine, President Biden has supplied Kiev with Patriot missiles and the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), along with other defensive measures.
Last month, the US also deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel, along with nearly 100 US soldiers to operate the system. THAAD is a critical part of the US military’s air defense network.
