American officials have informed some European partners that certain arms deliveries contracted earlier will likely be delayed as the war with Iran continues to deplete weapon stocks, said five sources familiar with the situation to Reuters.
The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that several European countries will be affected, including those in the Baltic region and Scandinavia.
Some of the weapons in question were purchased by European countries through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program but have not yet been delivered, added the sources. These deliveries are likely to be postponed, American officials conveyed to their European counterparts in bilateral messages in recent days.
The White House and the State Department redirected inquiries to the Pentagon, which did not respond to requests for comments.
These delays underscore the extent to which the war against Iran, which began with American-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, has started to strain US stocks of critical weaponry and ammunition.
European officials complain that the delays put them in a difficult position. Under the FMS program, foreign countries purchase weaponry produced in the US with logistical support and approval from the American government.
Washington has encouraged European NATO partners to buy more military equipment made in the US, including through the FMS program, as part of an effort to shift responsibility for Europe's conventional defense from the US to European partners.
However, such arms deliveries are often delayed, causing frustration in European capitals where some officials are increasingly turning to armament systems produced in Europe.
American officials argue that the weapons are necessary for the Middle East conflict and criticize European states for not assisting the US and Israel in opening the Strait of Hormuz.
Even before the war with Iran, the US had already depleted billions of dollars' worth of weaponry, including artillery systems, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles, after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and Israel began military operations in Gaza at the end of 2023.
Since the start of the campaign against Iran, Tehran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Gulf countries. Most have been intercepted, including with PAC-3 Patriot interceptors, on which, for example, Ukraine relies to defend its energy and military infrastructure against ballistic missiles.
Sources spoke on the condition that the names of affected countries not be disclosed. Some of these countries share a border with Russia, and as such, the pace of arms deliveries can be considered sensitive defense information.
The delayed weaponry includes various types of ammunition, including ammunition that can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, the sources said.