Pentagon asks defence firms to ramp up weapons production as Iran war drains stockpile
The US Pentagon has issued a directive to defense contractors to accelerate the production of critical munitions, such as air-defense interceptors, following sustained military operations against Iran. While officials claim current stockpiles are sufficient, the move aims to address long-term supply chain vulnerabilities.
Why it matters
The push for increased production underscores the strain on the US defense industrial base during prolonged regional conflicts.
The US Pentagon has asked defence companies to urgently accelerate weapons production and deliveries as Washington faces growing pressure to replenish critical munitions depleted during the war with Iran, according to a memo obtained by The Washington Post.The request comes amid reports that stocks of key air-defence interceptors, including THAAD and Patriot, have fallen sharply from pre-war levels.Deputy defence secretary Steve Feinberg wrote to defence industry leaders on Wednesday, giving them 21 days to submit plans for "significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities"."Years-long development timelines are unacceptable," Feinberg wrote.
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