New Delhi, Sept. 15 -- The United States spent an estimated $33.4 billion on its military operation against Iran between February 28 and June 30, with $22.3 billion of that amount going towards munitions, according to a Pentagon watchdog report. The assessment also found that the heavy use of weapons had left the US with strategic ammunition shortfalls and exposed bottlenecks in its defence industrial base. The report said the cost included around $3.7 billion linked to lost equipment and another $7.4 billion in other expenses. The figures provide the first detailed assessment of the financial and military impact of the conflict by the Pentagon's inspector general.
The large-scale expenditure on ammunition has affected US weapons inventories. The watchdog said the volume of munitions used during the operation resulted in strategic inventory shortfalls and highlighted production and supply-chain constraints that could make it difficult to replenish stocks quickly. The assessment also detailed losses and damage to US military equipment during the conflict. Four F-15 fighter jets were destroyed, while an F-35 was damaged. Seven KC-135 tanker aircraft were also damaged, while as many as 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones were destroyed. The findings point to concerns over the US military's ability to maintain its weapons reserves while continuing operations in the region and meeting commitments elsewhere. The shortage could also have implications for the supply of weapons to US partners and allies, including countries such as Ukraine and Taiwan.
The report comes despite public statements from US officials downplaying concerns over ammunition availability. The Pentagon watchdog's assessment, however, identified shortages in key weapons inventories and capacity constraints within the defence production system. The conflict has also imposed significant costs beyond ammunition and equipment. US military facilities across the Middle East suffered damage from Iranian attacks, while logistical operations had to be adjusted because of threats to American bases and supply routes. The findings underline the broader challenge facing Washington as the conflict places pressure on military resources, weapons production and readiness. Replenishing depleted stocks could require additional spending and increased production capacity at a time when the US is also preparing for potential security challenges in other regions.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.