US-Japan Alliance Strain and Deterrence Gaps

US munitions depletion (Patriot, ATACMS, TLAM) weakens deterrence. Japan-based Marines deployed to Iran until 2029-2031. Burden-sharing demands from Colby. Tactical nuclear discussions. Trust in US drops below 50% in Japan and South Korea. Golden Dome architecture triggers PRC responses. Elbridge Colby pushes back on stockpile depletion reports during Southeast Asia tour, insisting Indo-Pacific prioritized, but credibility questioned given earlier reports. Base vulnerability analysis highlights poor defenses. US-Japan-Australia missile defense cooperation accelerates.