The Pentagon has ordered US defense contractors to dramatically accelerate weapons production as the war with Iran exposes deep shortages in America’s missile and ammunition stockpiles. Deputy War Secretary Steve Feinberg has given defense companies 21 days to submit plans for faster deliveries and increased production of critical weapons, warning that years-long development cycles are no longer acceptable. The directive follows the reported use of more than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles, over 1,000 Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors, and more than 1,300 ATACMS ballistic missiles during the first month of the conflict.
The scale of weapons expenditure has sharply reduced US missile-defense inventories. The global stockpile of Patriot interceptors has reportedly fallen from around 2,200 before the war to fewer than 827, while THAAD stocks have dropped from 452 to fewer than 278. The shortages have heightened concerns within the Trump administration over Washington’s ability to sustain the conflict and intercept Iranian drones and missiles, reportedly contributing to reluctance to escalate the war further. President Donald Trump has sought to downplay the concerns, saying the US has “massive amounts” of munitions and that large quantities are being produced and shipped.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon is scrambling to expand weapons production through framework agreements with major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, to increase output of PAC-3 and THAAD systems. The rapid-production push underscores the pressure on the US defense industry to replenish weapons consumed during the conflict while maintaining reserves for other potential military contingencies.
