The Pentagon has given major U.S. defense contractors three weeks to submit plans for ramping up weapons production, following severe depletion of missile and ammunition stockpiles during the conflict with Iran.
Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg directed companies in an August 5 memo to propose faster delivery schedules, specific capital investments, and facility expansions. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the directive, saying the department is focused on accelerating munitions acquisition. The military has consumed roughly half its Patriot interceptors and nearly four-fifths of its THAAD inventory, with long-range precision missiles nearly exhausted. Programs including the Next Generation Interceptor are being considered for acceleration into fiscal year 2028.
President Donald Trump insisted the U.S. retains massive weapons reserves, even as the Defense Department announced framework agreements to expand supply of low-cost munitions and advanced air-defense systems. Meanwhile, the National Defense Authorization Act remains stalled amid Democratic opposition.