A high-ranking U.S. military official recently informed Congress about a concerning depletion of the U.S. Tomahawk missile stockpile, raising worries about preparedness for any long-term conflicts. These missiles have been actively used against the Houthis in Yemen, highlighting the urgent need for resupply. Acting U.S. Chief of Naval Operations James Kilby emphasized the shortage of torpedoes and anti-ship missiles in his report.
Kilby brought attention to the necessity for the Department of Defense to explore alternative manufacturers who can produce similar weapons, even if they aren’t identical to the current specifications. This need arises as the U.S. attempts to rebuild its arsenal. “If we go to war with China, it’s going to be bloody and there are going to be casualties and it’s going to take plenty of munitions,” Kilby stated during a House Appropriations Committee hearing.
The exercises in the Red Sea have underscored the strain on the U.S. munitions production capacity. Kilby pointed out the importance of increasing production of precision-guided, long-range munitions like the Tomahawk and Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles. He also mentioned the value of considering other vendors capable of producing effective missiles, even if they’re not the exact same.
Oklahoma Republican Rep. Tom Cole, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, expressed concern over the ability to sustain a long-term conflict. He warned that any potential conflict involving the U.S. would need to be short due to the limited munitions supplies. Rep. Eric Burlison from Missouri echoed these concerns, attributing the manufacturing issue to regulatory policies.
Burlison criticized the impact of energy policies and regulations like those from the EPA and OSHA, which he believes have driven manufacturing overseas. On the John Solomon Reports podcast, Burlison emphasized, “We have been hostile to our manufacturing sector.” He noted the significant drop from when the U.S. produced 60% of the world’s GDP during World War II.
Burlison highlighted the drastic change in global manufacturing shares, with the U.S. now producing only 11% compared to China’s 40%. He stressed this as a wake-up call and underscored the need to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector. This perspective aligns with efforts to bolster national security through domestic production.
In November 2024, Responsible Statecraft published an analysis detailing these concerns, particularly regarding missile stockpile depletion. The analysis warned that a conflict with China could dramatically increase the need for ship-based missiles. As of early 2024, the U.S. Navy had used at least 100 of its standard series class missiles in the Red Sea.
Brent Sadler, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a Navy veteran, traced the missile shortage back over a decade. He mentioned that the issue became more prominent during General Mattis’s tenure as Secretary of Defense in Trump’s first term. Sadler noted that the public’s understanding of the situation has been limited due to the classification of discussions.
Sadler recalled challenges with artillery production, specifically the 155 rounds for Ukraine, which highlighted the broader production issues. He described a “wake-up call” from an incident where the U.S. assisted Israel against an Iranian attack. Ballistic missiles, which typically take a month to produce, were used up in mere minutes during that engagement.
The testimony and related discussions serve as a stark reminder of the critical nature of maintaining a robust defense stockpile. The emphasis on increasing production capabilities and exploring alternative suppliers reflects a proactive approach to national security. Ensuring that the U.S. is prepared for any potential conflict remains a top priority for military and political leaders.
Through this lens, it’s evident that addressing the current manufacturing and regulatory challenges is essential. The focus remains on strengthening domestic industries to support defense needs effectively. This strategy aligns with the broader goal of securing the nation’s future safety and stability.
The conversation around these issues continues to develop as military and political leaders seek solutions. The importance of being prepared for any potential global conflicts cannot be overstated. As discussions progress, the focus remains on safeguarding the nation and ensuring readiness for any challenges ahead.
