A report by Politico claims that recent developments linked to the Iran-related conflict have highlighted structural weaknesses within North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), raising concerns over its preparedness for a potential large-scale confrontation with Russia.

Citing interviews with military experts, diplomats, and current and former officials within NATO structures, the report argues that the alliance’s inability to rapidly and massively produce ammunition has emerged as one of its most critical vulnerabilities.

According to the report, NATO’s indirect involvement in U.S.-led operations related to Iran has nevertheless exposed shortcomings across member states and revealed gaps in readiness for a hypothetical high-intensity conflict with Russia.

Ammunition production and supply constraints

The first major weakness identified is the limited capacity for rapid ammunition production. An unnamed source told Politico that this issue is expected to be discussed at the upcoming NATO summit in July.

The report also highlights concerns that the United States has already depleted roughly half of its Patriot air defense missile stockpiles during recent operations. Analysts further warn that Washington’s strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific region could result in the diversion of significant air defense production capacity away from Europe.

Air superiority and strategic limitations

Experts cited in the report argue that NATO also faces challenges in maintaining decisive air superiority. Despite intense air operations against Iranian infrastructure, the report notes that such actions did not fully prevent Iran from maintaining its capability to launch missile and drone attacks on regional military facilities.

The analysis suggests that similar limitations could apply in a confrontation with Russia, which maintains substantial missile and unmanned aerial capabilities.

Naval power gaps

The report further highlights naval capability as another area of concern. According to Sidharth Kaushal of the Royal United Services Institute, certain NATO members—particularly the United Kingdom—face significant maritime constraints.

The report notes that limited naval deployments in regions such as the Gulf have underscored the alliance’s lack of large-scale, fully capable fleets needed to counter threats such as Russian submarine operations and long-range cruise missiles like Kalibr.

Political divisions within the alliance

Another key issue raised is political fragmentation within NATO. The report points to disagreements between the United States and several European allies regarding Washington’s actions related to Iran, which some member states reportedly declined to support.

According to sources cited by Politico, such divisions have raised concerns that the United States might hesitate to become directly involved in a potential conflict between Europe and Russia.

Industrial cooperation with Ukraine

Finally, the report highlights concerns from two NATO diplomatic sources that the alliance has not done enough to strengthen industrial cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in defense production capacity and supply chain integration.

Overall assessment

The report concludes that while NATO remains the world’s most powerful military alliance, recent operational experiences and ongoing geopolitical tensions have exposed significant gaps in ammunition production, naval readiness, strategic coordination, and industrial resilience. (ILKHA)