Pentagon officials have revealed that the United States is facing a critical shortage of 155-millimeter artillery shells, and the situation is only expected to worsen unless Congress passes the stalled supplemental funding bill. This news comes at a time when the U.S. is facing increased demand for these shells due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Ukrainian forces have been using U.S. stockpiles of 155 mm rounds to defend their territory and citizens. As a result, the U.S. has been working to quickly replenish its stockpiles and meet the demand for shells in Ukraine. However, without the necessary funding, the U.S. will not be able to achieve its production goals.
Currently, the U.S. is producing around 28,000 155 mm rounds per month, with plans to increase production to 70,000-80,000 rounds per month by the end of 2024. However, this will only be possible with the additional funding. A Pentagon spokesperson, Jeff Jurgensen, stated that without the supplemental funding, production will peak at 100,000 rounds per month, which will not be enough to meet the demand.
The shortage of 155 mm shells not only affects the U.S.’s ability to provide aid to Ukraine but also impacts its own ability to replenish its stockpiles. This shortage could have serious consequences for the U.S. military’s readiness and ability to respond to any future conflicts.
The U.S. has been a key ally in providing support to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. So far, over 2 million rounds of 155 mm artillery ammunition have been sent to Ukraine, making it one of the most effective weapons in their arsenal. The ongoing conflict has become an artillery duel between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides using tens of thousands of rounds each week.
In addition to supporting Ukraine, the U.S. has also been providing artillery rounds to Israel following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7. Israel has launched an operation into Gaza in response to the attack and has vowed to remove Hamas from the Gaza Strip. This has resulted in a significant increase in demand for 155 mm shells, further exacerbating the shortage.
The U.S. Army has stated that it needs an additional $3 billion in funding to expand its production of 155 mm artillery rounds. This funding is crucial in quickly replacing the depleted stocks due to shipments to Ukraine and Israel. Without this funding, the U.S. will not be able to meet its commitments to its allies and maintain its own military readiness.
In conclusion, the U.S. is facing a critical shortage of 155 mm artillery shells, and the situation is only expected to worsen without the necessary funding. It is imperative that Congress passes the supplemental funding bill to ensure that the U.S. can continue to support its allies and maintain its own military capabilities. The U.S. has always been a leader in providing aid and support to those in need, and it is crucial that we continue to do so in these challenging times. Let us hope that Congress acts swiftly to provide the necessary funding and help the U.S. meet its production goals.
