Taiwan Defense Concerns Rise After US Munitions Depletion in Iran War

Unnamed US officials have warned that stockpile shortages could limit the US’s ability to respond to a potential conflict with China in the near term. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied An undated handout photo received on December 10, 2024 from the Australian Defence shows the HMAS Brisbane firing a Tomahawk Weapon System off the west coast of the US. (Photo by Handout / AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Washington’s heavy use of advanced weapons in the war with Iran has raised concerns among some US officials over its readiness to defend Taiwan in the event of a conflict with China. According to unnamed officials cited by a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report on Thursday, Washington has used large quantities of key munitions since the conflict began in late February, including more than 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles and up to 2,000 air defense interceptors, such as Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Officials said it could take up to six years to fully replenish some of these stockpiles, prompting internal discussions about adjusting contingency plans for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. While there is no indication of an imminent conflict with China, the report said the depletion could pose short-term risks and increase vulnerability in a high-intensity war. At the same time, US officials publicly pushed back on concerns about military readiness. A White House spokesperson said the US retains “more than enough weapons and munitions” to carry out any required operations. Pentagon officials also emphasized that ongoing operations in the Middle East have provided valuable combat experience and have not undermined the country’s ability to deter China. Analysts have recently warned that the scale of munitions use in the Iran conflict has significantly reduced US stockpiles of precision weapons and air defense systems. Other Topics of Interest Dutch Intelligence: Russia Preparing for Long‑Term Confrontation Dutch intelligence faces its most severe security threat in 80 years, warning that Russia is preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Europe as pressure from China intensifies. According to estimates by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, US forces used a substantial share of key systems within weeks of the war’s start, including nearly half of some interceptor inventories and large portions of cruise missile stockpiles. The US is said to have used around 800 Patriot missiles to intercept Iranian drones and missiles in the opening days of the war, while total deliveries in 2025 reached about 620 at an already accelerated pace. Experts say rebuilding these reserves could take several years, even with increased production, creating what they describe as a “near-term risk” if the US faces another major conflict. The issue is particularly critical in the Indo-Pacific, where a potential confrontation with China – home to the world’s largest active-duty military and a growing missile arsenal – would require sustained access to high-end munitions. Advanced air defense systems, especially Patriots, are also highly sought after by Kyiv, as they are among the few capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly warned that Patriot supplies remain critically short and that the Iran war could divert US arms shipments, though he said deliveries have not been affected so far. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.