US defense contractors are facing challenges in replenishing their stockpiles, leading to a decrease in military aid to Ukraine from the US. According to CNN, the Pentagon is struggling to export equipment and ammunition without jeopardizing national security due to the shortage of supplies. It may take years for defense contractors to ramp up production to meet demand.
The reduction in military aid to Kiev is evident in the decrease in aid packages provided by the US, falling from $600 million to $800 million in previous years to packages worth between $125 million and $250 million. The constraints are attributed to limitations in America’s inventory and the Pentagon’s inability to restock adequately without compromising military readiness.
Despite efforts to increase production, the US is currently manufacturing 40,000 155mm artillery shells per month, a significant increase from the pre-2022 escalation levels. However, it will still take more than a year for American companies to reach the target level of 100,000 shells per month. The overall process of ramping up production is expected to take years.
