Washington DC (Transatlantic Today) — The year 2022 is turning out to be exceptionally dangerous when it comes to international relations. During the first quarter, Russia invaded Ukraine. In the second half, Moscow is marching into Ukraine without any failure. In the meantime, China is growing to be a fierce enemy of Washington. The tensions over Taiwan are making things even more difficult. So can the US defeat Russia?
There is no doubt the US is aware that Russia can pose a massive threat to the global order. In the recent National Security Strategy of the White House “the [People’s Republic of China] and Russia are increasingly aligned with each other.”
How the US Can Constrain Russia From Going Forward?
Joe Biden and his administration have talked about how the US can constrain Russia from going forward. Washington is aware that the conflict in Ukraine will most likely grow into a bigger threat. The ability of Kyiv and Moscow to continue the fight will bring the US into the picture. They are forced directly into the war as Putin is making his rattling even more apparent.
Currently, the US is not only drawn to a conflict with Russia but China has also come into the picture. All the planning of the US seems like a challenge for now. In 2015, the Department of Defense abandoned its long-standing policy. They seem to prepare themselves to focus on acquiring a win by fighting fiercely.
The policy has remained the same over the years. However, the only problem is that much of the US military equipment is worn out. Most of the aircraft, ships, and tanks are too old from the 1980s. They need a lot of upgradation.
The USA has a limited number of supplies when it comes to equipment and munitions. They have taken a lot of their stocks down to support Ukraine. These problems are occurring due to the recent conflicts and threats from Russia. On the other hand, Russia is more at power as its weapons are upgraded with new technology. If the USA goes into a two-war situation in Europe or the Pacific, it will become a long-term commitment.
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Building The Arsenal Of Democracy
The USA and its allies can have a little advantage if a war occurs in Asia or Europe. No doubt, the war in Ukraine is proving that new technology weapons are highly useful. Some of the weapons created by the country have a lot of benefits. When it comes to new technology and quality, weapons from the Western system are the best class.
However, the US must supply all these weapons to the armed forces of their friends. Unfortunately, the number of stockpiles in the USA is limited. The industrial base in the country must work harder to bring in better vehicles and weapons. It can take many years to let go of the munitions they offer to Ukraine. This will not come as a surprise though.
National Defense Strategy Commission has already revealed that the US doesn’t have enough munitions. They cannot prevail in high-intensity conflicts with Russia. The country needs to expand its production currently and maintain a high level of army. Moreover, Washington needs to modernize the manufacturing of defense. It will help them create munitions and other weapons at a fast rate.
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For example, the United States has not produced Stinger antiaircraft missiles in 18 years, and restarting production will take time and money. So far, the United States has given Ukraine over 1,400 of these munitions. They have given around 1,400 weapons to Ukraine.
US Needs To Enhance The Production In Defense
The Department of Defense acknowledges the fact that the US needs to speed up production. They need to look beyond Ukraine and focus on other things. If Russia threatens to strike a nuclear war, it demands plenty of long-range weapons and anti-ship missiles. Right now the US doesn’t seem to have enough supplies of weapons and vehicles. Even the Joint Air-to-Surface standoff missiles Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) are lower in number.
The United States needs to think clearly and increase production in the defense industry. It involves some hard work for the existing factories. While the material supply should enhance to a new level as well. By putting in more effort they can expand factories and start opening new lines of production.
Congress will have to act fast and gather more money to start with manufacturing. However, the only problem is that stockpiles in the US keep going lower. They need to make a higher level of investments to make things work.