U.S. commanders planning for a possible conflict with China are concerned that the Pentagon will soon need to move long-range precision weapons from stockpiles in the Asia-Pacific region to the Middle East due to the large amount of munitions being used in a bombing campaign in Yemen ordered by President Trump. This is because the U.S. military is burning through munitions at a faster rate than expected, with the Navy’s overall stockpiles being below target goals. The Pentagon has deployed two aircraft carriers, additional B-2 stealth bombers, and fighter jets, as well as Patriot and THAAD air defenses to the Middle East. The U.S. military has had limited success in destroying the Houthis’ vast arsenal of missiles, drones, and launchers. The Pentagon is risking real operational problems in the event of a conflict in Asia due to the lack of available munitions. The U.S. has bolstered military relations and arms sales with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia to deter China from taking aggressive military action, especially against Taiwan.
U.S. military commanders concerned about potential conflict with China due to depleted munitions stocks
U.S. military has deployed resources to Middle East, including aircraft carriers and stealth bombers
Pentagon facing pressure to move long-range precision weapons from Asia-Pacific to Middle East due to high demand in Yemen
U.S. military struggles to destroy Houthi’s arsenal of missiles, drones, and launchers
Pentagon risks operational problems in event of conflict in Asia due to lack of available munitions
U.S. strengthens military relations and arms sales with allies in Asia to deter China
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