The U.S. military assistance effort for Ukraine is one of the largest and most rapid transfers of weapons from this country to another since the end of World War II. It includes tens of thousands of anti-aircraft and anti-armor munitions, hundreds of artillery pieces and military vehicles, dozens of rocket launchers and hundreds of thousands of rockets, missiles, and artillery shells. Because of the urgency of Ukraine’s need, much of this equipment was taken from U.S. stockpiles. As a consequence, the U.S. military is facing its own shortfalls in capabilities even as the global security situation becomes more uncertain. The Department of Defense (DoD) is looking to buy back what it has delivered to Ukraine, as well as providing that country and others with high-demand military equipment. But just buying the same items could be a mistake. Where possible, the Pentagon should not just replace the transferred material one-for-one with the same capability but also buy back better by acquiring more modern and capable munitions, systems, and platforms enhancing deterrence. I have written more a out this here.
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