Gulf War Reshapes Global Defense: Stockpiles Dwindle, Spending Soars

• The US, Israel, and Iran conflict is stress-testing the global defense industry, revealing severe shortages and driving a rearmament cycle.
• Modern warfare consumes weapons, especially missiles, far faster than current production capabilities, leading to rapidly depleting stockpiles.
• The US spent $12.7 billion in the first six days, with high-cost interceptors used against cheaper drones, creating an unsustainable financial burden.
• Defense manufacturers like Rheinmetall are expanding production, but new facilities won't be operational for years, failing to address immediate needs.
• The war highlights structural weaknesses in defense manufacturing, pushing for a global defense spending supercycle and a shift towards cost-effective warfare.