It could take up to 18 years to rebuild the U.S. weapons stockpile depleted by extensive transfers to Ukraine, according to a study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The report warns of a potential crisis in artillery ammunition supplies, highlighting the challenges of maintaining America’s military readiness.
Published in January 2023, the CSIS study raised alarms about insufficient production capacities in the U.S. to quickly replenish military resources. These concerns have only grown as additional weapons transfers to Kyiv have further strained stockpiles.
Study: It Will Take 18 Years to Build Enough Replacements for Weapons Going to Ukraine https://t.co/sdUYjUYAf5 #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— realcleo54123 (@realcleo54123) December 15, 2024
Critics of the Biden administration’s policies argue that prioritizing aid to Ukraine undermines America’s own defense capabilities. With U.S. military readiness potentially lagging for nearly two decades, some are questioning the sustainability of such large-scale support for foreign conflicts.
Replenishing the stockpile will require significant investment in production infrastructure and time. Defense contractors are likely to see an increase in demand, but even ramped-up manufacturing efforts will struggle to close the gap quickly.
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, the U.S. has been one of Ukraine’s largest military supporters, supplying billions of dollars in artillery, ammunition, and advanced weapons systems. While these efforts bolster Ukraine’s defense, critics argue they could leave the U.S. vulnerable in the event of a new global conflict.
"It Will Take 18 Years to Build Enough Replacements for Weapons Going to Ukraine"
✔️Government supplying the world with weapons
✖️Government supplying me with weapons pic.twitter.com/ZSu3DvG0ZU
— 2A Buff Bill 1 (Formally Clark) (@2ABuffBill1) December 15, 2024
As the Biden administration continues to navigate its foreign and defense policies, the CSIS study underscores the importance of balancing international commitments with safeguarding America’s national security. The lengthy timeline for rebuilding stockpiles is likely to become a key issue as policymakers evaluate future military aid decisions.