The Pentagon is urging U.S. defense contractors to significantly accelerate the production of weapons to rebuild diminished stockpiles, particularly for munitions that have been depleted by recent conflicts. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg issued a memo this week demanding that industry leaders submit plans within 21 days to achieve "significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities."
"Years-long development cycles are not acceptable," Feinberg stated in the memo obtained by The Washington Post. "We must dramatically accelerate our program schedules and expand our production capacity now."
The push comes as an analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicates that recent fighting has further depleted U.S. stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, such as Patriot and THAAD systems. This reduction could potentially increase risks for American troops and allies if hostilities resume. According to CSIS estimates, the number of Patriot interceptors has fallen by at least 65% since before a recent conflict, and THAAD interceptor stockpiles are at least 38% smaller than pre-conflict levels.
The Pentagon confirmed that the memo is authentic and that it aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize and rebuild the defense industrial base. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that these efforts will inform the fiscal year 2028 budget request to Congress. Parnell affirmed that the department is focused on boosting munitions acquisitions to provide "the weapons our warfighters need at the pace the threat demands."
The increased demand for production comes at a time when a defense spending bill remains stalled in Congress. Lawmakers are reportedly scrutinizing military actions and White House requests for a substantial increase in Pentagon spending. President Donald Trump has publicly stated that the U.S. possesses "massive amounts" of munitions, asserting that large quantities are being manufactured and shipped as needed.