Logistic Peril for NATO Weapons to Ukraine

Within months of the Normandy landings in June 1944, Allied forces were tearing through France and Belgium so fast they overtook their supply lines. Instead of waging a broad front campaign to defeat the Germans, Gen. Dwight D Eisenhower forced to resort to a narrow-front attack, prolonging the war well into 1945. Soon logistical deficits will also confront Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and possibly force a change of strategy.

On August 19, the US pledged another $775 million for Ukraine. Aid provides more javelins, Himars missiles, and artillery ammunition. It also includes TOW missiles, 105mm howitzers and small caliber artillery ammunition. The latest systems are older and less advanced than the items delivered to date and may indicate that battlefield consumption rates have exceeded production to the point that the excess stocks made available to Ukraine are almost exhausted . In this case, NATO must contend with dwindling inventories of advanced weapon systems. This will likely mean struggling through a longer war with more casualties. It means more pressure from supportive nations, continued inflation, less fuel gas, and falling popular support.