The US Defense Department's inspector general has disclosed that the United States is experiencing a critical shortage of ammunition as a direct consequence of its extensive military operations in Iran. In a mandatory report to Congress, the inspector general highlighted that the cost of Operation Epic Fury (OEF) from February 28 to June 30 amounted to an estimated $33.4 billion, with $22.3 billion specifically allocated to expended munitions. This substantial expenditure has led to strategic inventory shortfalls and exposed industrial base bottlenecks in munitions resupply.
The report also detailed significant losses to the American fleet, including the destruction of four F-15s, damage to one F-35, damage to seven KC-135 tanker aircraft, and the loss of up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones. Despite these mounting costs and losses, President Donald Trump has downplayed concerns about depleted weapons stores, asserting on his Truth Social platform that the US is producing'more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in our History.'
CNN has previously reported on shortages of long-range guided missiles and air-defense interceptors, which have impacted the US military's strategy in the conflict with Iran. The US military has nearly exhausted 80% of its stock of THAAD interceptors. During the initial 24 hours of the war against Iran, the United States conducted strikes on over 1,000 targets, a scale of attack that has not been repeated in recent months.
The inspector general's report further noted that Iranian strikes have damaged and destroyed numerous buildings and structures at US bases across Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. However, the report did not include these costs in its estimates, indicating uncertainty about whether all bases will be rebuilt and who will bear the financial burden.
The ongoing conflict and the resulting munitions shortfall have significant implications for US military readiness and strategic capabilities. The industrial base challenges in resupplying munitions could prolong the strain on existing inventories. Additionally, the extensive damage to US bases in the region underscores the escalating costs and complexities of the war.
For Bangladesh, the situation highlights the broader implications of international conflicts on global military readiness and the potential ripple effects on regional stability. As a nation that values peace and stability, Bangladesh observes the developments with concern, understanding that such conflicts can influence global defense strategies and resource allocations.
