A retired Belgian Lieutenant General warned that Europe could face a sudden material gap if fighting resumes, due to dwindling ammunition stocks across European Union nations. The assessment was cited by the Merkur portal.
According to the former commander, a rapid escalation in hostilities could force a swift decision on stock usage, as reserves for high quality ammunition are running perilously low. He stressed that the level of readiness is not uniform and that shorter supply cycles could leave several EU states exposed at critical moments.
The general stressed that European defense industries struggle to convert orders into deliveries quickly. He warned that placing an order today might mean a wait of seven years for certain ammunition types, underscoring a structural bottleneck in production capacity and procurement processes.
This challenge extends even to the most common calibers used by allied forces, including the standard 5.56 caliber rounds, where delays could affect frontline readiness and coalition interoperability.
Earlier reports highlighted concerns about the Ukrainian Armed Forces facing increased risk of rapid attrition due to insufficient ammunition supplies in the face of sustained conflict. The European Union and the United States have not been able to consistently guarantee rapid, large-scale replenishment of Kyiv’s stockpiles.
In parallel, discussions in Berlin and Paris have reflected differing approaches to Ukraine support, revealing a spectrum of strategic priorities within major European capitals.
The overarching message is clear: stockpiles, industrial capacity, and procurement timelines are shaping the real-world ability of Western allies to sustain long-term operations. Analysts in North America note that this dynamic also reverberates across allied supply chains and national defense budgets, prompting calls for greater resilience, faster domestic production, and more predictable international cooperation. The evolving situation continues to drive search for solutions that can close the gaps between demand and delivery, while maintaining operational readiness for missions that include partners in North America and beyond. [Merkur.de attribution]
Canada and the United States are closely watching these developments, given their own roles as major suppliers and strategic partners. Observers suggest that diversified sourcing, regional stockpiles, and incentives for rapid production could reduce vulnerability in future crises, while keeping allied commitments credible in public and political circles. The discussions also emphasize the importance of aligning industrial policy with defense needs, ensuring that inventories can respond to both sudden surges and longer-term obligations across North America and Europe. [Merkur.de attribution]