In a world obsessed with tanks, fighter jets and aircraft carriers, there is a silent crisis brewing: the shortage of missile engines. Although it goes unnoticed by most, this shortage could have significant consequences on the global geopolitical balance.
Missiles have become the weapon of choice for armies around the world. Their ability to hit targets hundreds of kilometres away with pinpoint accuracy, combined with the low risk they pose to the attacker, makes them a very attractive military tool.
The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the effectiveness of these weapons. We have witnessed missiles such as the Javelin or NLAW neutralise enemy armour with devastating efficiency, while others, such as the HIMARS, hit logistics centres at great distance, altering the course of the war.
This show of force has had an immediate impact on the defence budgets of numerous countries. Witnessing the vulnerability of traditional forces to this new generation of missiles, governments around the world have launched a race to strengthen their arsenals.
However, this arms rush has collided with an uncomfortable reality: the production of missile engines cannot keep up with demand.
The manufacture of these engines is a highly complex process that requires very specific and expensive technology. It is not simply a matter of increasing the production of a common product, but of creating new production lines from scratch with the necessary machinery, skilled labor and quality controls.
According to defense experts, the global production capacity for complex missile engines is around 6,000 units per year. However, recent orders far exceed 14,000 units, more than double the current capacity.
This discrepancy has put the arms industry on alert. Some leading companies in the sector have already begun contacting other companies to outsource the production of these engines, while others are busy building new factories. However, even in the best-case scenario, these new plants are not expected to be operational until 2026.
This missile engine shortage has several important implications:
. Advantage for those first in line: Countries that placed large orders ahead of the surge in demand, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, are in a privileged position. Meanwhile, other countries looking to strengthen their defenses face long waiting lists and the possibility of having to pay exorbitant prices for a limited number of missiles.
. Pressure on industry: The arms industry is under unprecedented pressure to increase production of missile engines. This could lead to increased investment in research and development, as well as increased competition between companies.
. Geopolitical instability: Missile shortages could lead to geopolitical instability, as countries with fewer resources are at a disadvantage compared to those with larger and more modern arsenals.
The missile engine crisis is a stark reminder of the complexity of the current geopolitical landscape. As countries rush to strengthen their militaries, they face logistical and technological challenges that could have unforeseen consequences. Only time will tell how this silent crisis will play out and what impact it will have on the future of warfare.
And the underlying PROBLEM is that most leaders think that war can solve countries' problems. We have learned nothing from History!!!
EN 
ES