WASHINGTON—Military analysts are urging the Pentagon to prioritize base resilience and prepositioned supplies in the Indo-Pacific, arguing that recent conflicts in the Middle East expose critical vulnerabilities in sustaining operations after an initial attack. The call comes as tensions with China over Taiwan and regional disputes escalate.
According to defense officials familiar with planning, US airbases in Guam, Japan, and the Philippines remain susceptible to missile strikes, which could cripple operations early in a conflict. “The Iran conflict demonstrated how quickly infrastructure becomes a liability,” said a senior Pentagon advisor, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the topic. “We can’t assume our Pacific bases are immune.”
The US has invested over $8 billion in Pacific deterrence initiatives since 2022, but Congressional reports note persistent gaps in dispersed fuel storage and rapid repair capabilities. A 2025 RAND Corporation study found that 70% of US airpower capacity in the region relies on just five major airfields, all within range of Chinese ballistic missiles.
Some lawmakers are pushing for accelerated funding. “This isn’t about provoking conflict—it’s about making aggression unthinkable,” said Representative Mark Takano (D-CA), who sits on the House Armed Services Committee. However, budget hawks question whether new infrastructure would survive precision strikes anyway.
Analysts suggest the next 18 months will be decisive, as China monitors US commitment to regional allies. “If we falter on resilience investments now, it signals weakness in extended crises,” warned CSIS Asia expert Gregory Poling.