The Pentagon has ordered defense contractors to accelerate production of weapons and munitions after reports that U.S. stockpiles have fallen amid the conflict with Iran. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg gave companies 21 days to submit plans, warning that "years-long development cycles are not acceptable." News reports say more than 850 Tomahawk missiles were launched in the first month, a pace that outstripped manufacturers’ replacement rates. The White House denied shortages, while the Pentagon says it retains the capabilities needed to carry out operations.
Pentagon Orders Faster Weapons Production as U.S. Missile Stocks Reportedly Shrink
The Pentagon told industry leaders to "drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities." Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg said contractors have 21 days to submit plans on how they plan to achieve that. File Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman/U.S. Navy
Aug. 8 (UPI) — The Defense Department has directed U.S. defense contractors to accelerate production of weapons and munitions, urging industry leaders to deliver “significantly faster” as reports indicate American stockpiles have fallen amid the conflict with Iran.
A memo obtained by The Washington Post instructs companies to "drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities." Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg gave contractors 21 days to submit plans outlining how they will meet that demand.
"Years-long development cycles are not acceptable. We must dramatically accelerate our program schedules and expand our production capacity now," Feinberg wrote in the memo, according to The Post.
Multiple news outlets have reported that U.S. stockpiles of long-range precision missiles have been substantially drawn down during the conflict. The Washington Post reported that the military launched more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles in the first month of the fighting — a rate that reportedly outpaced manufacturers’ ability to replace spent inventory.
Officials say the Pentagon is asking industry to increase output, shorten delivery timelines and expand manufacturing capacity. The directive emphasizes speeding deliveries and avoiding protracted development cycles for critical munitions and systems.
President Donald Trump dismissed the reports on Truth Social, asserting the United States has "massive amounts" of munitions and that additional supplies are being manufactured and shipped as needed. He also warned that alleged leakers of sensitive information are being sought and that "long-term jail sentences will be sought."
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told CBS News the military "has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the president's choosing," adding: "We have executed multiple successful operations across combatant commands while ensuring the U.S. military possesses a deep arsenal of capabilities to protect our people and our interests."
This push to speed production reflects concern among some defense officials about replenishing stockpiles quickly enough amid sustained high-tempo operations. The Pentagon’s 21-day demand for contractor plans is intended to produce near-term steps to accelerate deliveries and expand industrial capacity.
Reporting credits: UPI and The Washington Post; statements to CBS News.
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