The Pentagon is urging the U.S. defense industry to significantly increase the production of weapons and munitions to address concerns about depleted stockpiles, according to a directive issued by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg. The directive, obtained by The Washington Post, gives defense companies no more than 21 days to submit plans detailing how they will "drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities."

Feinberg stated in a memo that "years-long development cycles are not acceptable" and emphasized the immediate need to "dramatically accelerate our program schedules and expand our production capacity now." This push comes amid concerns that recent conflicts have diminished U.S. military inventories, potentially increasing risks for American troops if hostilities resume.

A recent analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicated that shrunken inventories of advanced missile interceptors, such as Patriot and THAAD, may compel the U.S. and its Middle Eastern allies to conserve these air defense systems. This could lead to fewer missiles being launched against incoming threats, thereby raising the possibility of a successful attack.

According to CSIS estimates, the number of Patriot interceptors decreased from 2,330 before the conflict to 1,030 by an April ceasefire. Following subsequent fighting, the stockpile is now estimated to be between 759 and 827, representing a decline of at least 65% since the conflict's outset. Similarly, THAAD interceptor numbers fell from 452 to a range of 232 to 262 by the April ceasefire. Although some replenishment occurred, bringing the inventory to between 234 and 278, the stockpile remains at least 38% smaller than pre-conflict levels.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the authenticity of Feinberg's memo, stating that it is "real" and will inform the fiscal year 2028 budget request to Congress. He added that these efforts are consistent with the department's ongoing initiative to rebuild the defense industrial base.

President Donald Trump has publicly disputed reports of a munitions shortage, asserting on social media that the U.S. possesses "massive amounts" and that significant quantities are being manufactured and shipped as needed. Parnell affirmed that the directive to accelerate production is a genuine effort aligned with broader modernization goals that predated the recent conflict.

The Pentagon's call for increased production occurs as a defense spending bill remains stalled in Congress. Lawmakers are reportedly scrutinizing the White House's request for a substantial increase in Pentagon spending, aiming to raise it to $1.5 trillion from approximately $900 billion in the previous year, amid ongoing debates about recent military actions.