US Warns Allies of Up to Five-Year Delays in Missile Deliveries
The US has told allies that deliveries of key weapons systems may be delayed by as much as five years as it rebuilds stockpiles depleted during the war with Iran, complicating Ukraine's efforts to secure more Patriot interceptors ahead of winter.
The United States has warned its allies to expect significant delays in deliveries of key weapons systems — in some cases up to five years — as the country works to replenish stockpiles depleted during its war with Iran, Bloomberg reported, according to European Pravda.
According to officials, several European countries anticipate delays in deliveries of key missile systems and air defense equipment. Germany has asked the US to speed up delivery of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon ground-based launchers, but depleted stockpiles mean manufacturer Raytheon is unlikely to be able to fulfill the order within the next five years. Two other officials said some Eastern European countries that also rely on American weapons systems began facing delays soon after the US and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28.
The Pentagon's decision to prioritize its own stockpiles is also complicating Ukraine's efforts to secure more Patriot air defense interceptors from the US ahead of an expected harsh winter. The issue of Ukraine's urgently needed air defense is expected to be a key topic at United Nations meetings in New York next week.
Estimates suggest the US used more than half of its most advanced Patriot missiles, a third of its Tomahawk missiles, and nearly half of its precision-strike munitions and THAAD interceptors during the war in Iran. The Congressional Budget Office said the US has likely used up two-thirds of its missile defense interceptor stockpiles since June 2025.
The stockpile shortage extends beyond the US and Europe. In April, the US informed Japan that Tomahawk missile deliveries would be delayed by up to two years. Saudi Arabia has also called on allies, including the US, to provide military support against Houthi attacks in Yemen, though Washington has not said whether it will provide additional assistance. Sources say the US continues to supply weapons purchased by European allies for Ukraine under NATO and European Union initiatives.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has previously denied reports that US armed forces are running low on key missiles, while President Donald Trump threatened media sources with "lengthy prison terms" over the disclosure of data on US military ammunition shortages.
