Top US general warns of shortage of navy ships to defend from Iranian missiles
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The top US general in Europe has privately alerted the Pentagon that a shortage of Navy destroyers is stretching his forces thin, raising the prospect that he may have to prioritize defending the “American homeland” over protecting ‘Israel’ from Iranian ballistic missiles, said a report by the Washington Post citing anonymous officials.
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, head of U.S. European Command, sent a written notification to senior Pentagon officials this week stating that without another Navy destroyer, he will be forced to choose defense of the United States “homeland” over that of ‘Israel’, according to unidentified officials cited by The Washington Post.
The warning underscores the strain that months of near-daily operations have placed on US naval assets amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Current resources include two destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean and one in the Red Sea, which have been intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at ‘Israel’.
These Aegis-equipped ships form a key layer of missile defense, but sustained operations, maintenance demands, and broader global commitments have limited their availability.
Officials said Grynkewich’s message follows formal military procedures used when operational demands exceed available forces.
The alert also highlights related concerns about dwindling stocks of Patriot interceptors and production shortfalls, which compound the challenges facing US forces supporting regional partners.
Grynkewich, who also serves as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, has previously discussed resource pressures in the European theater.
Unidentified defense officials described the general’s assessment as reflecting earlier concerns among senior commanders about risks that require national-level consideration, especially when combatant commanders compete for scarce ships and munitions.
Destroyers have played a critical role in intercepting threats, yet the prolonged operational tempo in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and waters near Iran has left the fleet overstretched.
Without reinforcement, continued dual commitments become untenable, the warning reportedly says.
