Pentagon Urges US Arms Makers to Rapidly Boost Missile Production Amid Stockpile Shortages

The Pentagon is pressuring American defense contractors to quickly increase the production of weapons systems due to a sharp depletion in missile inventories caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to The Washington Post. Companies have been given 21 days to submit plans for accelerating supply and expanding manufacturing facilities.

Reportedly, the stockpile of Patriot missiles has dropped from approximately 2,200 units to fewer than 827, while the inventory of THAAD interceptors has fallen from 452 to under 278. To address these shortages, the Pentagon is advancing major contracts, including a $58.6 billion deal with Lockheed Martin.

However, much of the planned production expansion depends on the approval of a $1.15 trillion defense budget currently stalled in Congress. The urgency reflects concerns over maintaining adequate missile defense capabilities amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.