The US Department of Defense has urged defense contractors to accelerate weapons production as concerns grow over the depletion of American stockpiles amid the ongoing war in Iran.
In a memorandum drafted by Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, defense companies were given 21 days to submit concrete plans for increasing production and speeding up deliveries of critical weapons and military equipment.
The memorandum calls on contractors to propose significantly shorter delivery timelines and expand manufacturing capacity to meet the Pentagon’s growing requirements.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the authenticity of the memorandum, saying its proposals would be considered as part of preparations for the fiscal year 2028 budget. The fiscal year 2027 budget, which is currently under consideration by Congress, could accelerate the process.
Parnell defended the initiative, saying direct communication between Pentagon officials and defense industry executives is not unusual and is part of the department’s efforts to respond to changing military requirements.
According to Parnell, Feinberg is leading efforts to reform the US defense procurement system and expand weapons manufacturing capacity in line with current security needs and emerging threats.
The push comes as the United States faces increasing pressure to maintain adequate weapons inventories while meeting operational demands and supporting its broader military commitments.
