The U.S. Department of Defense is conducting a comprehensive review of arms exports to global allies, citing growing concerns over diminishing stockpiles of key munitions, including Patriot air defense missiles and 155mm artillery shells.
Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the review during a recent briefing, emphasizing it is not limited to Ukraine but may affect a broader spectrum of allies, including Israel, Reuters reported.
This policy shift follows reports of the U.S. depleting hundreds of interceptor missiles during recent defense operations for Israel and Qatar amid Iranian bombardments. Additionally, the White House has acknowledged a partial pause in weapons shipments to Ukraine, describing it as a measure to “put America’s interests first” and to better align military aid with long-term national defense priorities.
‘We’re a little short on ammunition. That’s because it’s going very quickly to other countries, especially one’ – Trump admitted that arms sales to Ukraine have bled the Pentagon dry. pic.twitter.com/sF3vtX5wjb
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Among the affected systems are the Himars long-range missile systems and Patriot anti-air missiles, vital to Ukraine’s defense against intensified Russian airstrikes. Ukrainian officials have expressed alarm over the halt, warning it could embolden Russian aggression. Kyiv has summoned the acting U.S. envoy to stress the strategic necessity of continued American military aid.
The review is being overseen by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, who advocates a strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific, prioritizing the threat posed by China over continued large-scale support for conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. This position is supported by influential Republican figures, including Vice President JD Vance.
Despite these strategic recalibrations, the Pentagon insists that U.S. military readiness remains uncompromised, with the capability to respond globally as required.
