Pentagon said to ask US arms firms to speed up output as Iran war exhausts supply

The US Defense Department has asked American defense companies to boost weapons production and delivery amid an acute shortage caused by the Iran war, according to a memo reported by The Washington Post. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg gave industry chiefs 21 days to present plans for faster delivery and increased production. CNN reported the US has used nearly 80% of THAAD interceptors and 50% of Patriot interceptors. A $1.15 trillion defense bill is stalled due to Democratic objections.

The US Defense Department has requested that American defense companies rapidly increase weapons production and delivery amid an acute shortage of arms caused by the Iran war, according to a memo reported by The Washington Post on Saturday. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg told industry chiefs in a memo on Wednesday that they had a maximum of 21 days to present plans to 'drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities.' Feinberg stated that 'years-long development cycles are not acceptable' and demanded firms 'dramatically accelerate' their schedules and production capacity. The memo also asked contractors to propose specific capital investments and facility expansions to support higher volume, sustained orders. CNN reported last week that the US military has used close to 80% of its THAAD interceptors and approximately 50% of its Patriot interceptors, leaving supplies 'dangerously low.' The Pentagon has announced several 'framework agreements' with contractors, but these are not actual contracts; the government will only commit to purchasing weapons once Congress appropriates funds. A $1.15 trillion defense spending bill is currently stuck due to Democratic objections. The Feinberg memo came after defense executives were summoned to the White House to lobby congresspeople for increased spending. On Thursday, Trump denied reports that he is unhappy with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the depleted stockpile.