White house presses defense giants to boost weapons output amid Iran conflict
Photo: The White House ramps up pressure on defense industry amid strikes on Iran (Getty Images)
The administration of US President Donald Trump is gathering executives from the largest defense contractors to discuss accelerating weapons production, according to Reuters.
Read also: 'Wars can be fought forever': Trump claims US holds nearly unlimited weapons stockpiles
The meeting underscores the urgency felt in Washington to replenish weapons stockpiles following the launch of operations in Iran.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the start of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the United States has depleted billions of dollars’ worth of weapons from its stockpiles, including artillery systems, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles. The conflict involving Iran has consumed longer-range missiles than those supplied to Kyiv.
The White House is expected to focus on pushing weapons manufacturers to move faster in ramping up production.
Missile maker Raytheon, which produces Tomahawk missiles, has a new agreement with the Pentagon to eventually increase output to 1,000 units per year. Currently, the Pentagon plans to procure 57 missiles per month in 2026 at an average cost of $1.3 million each.
The administration has steadily increased pressure on defense contractors to prioritize expanding production over shareholder payouts.
The Pentagon is also expected to publish a list of contractors failing to meet contract obligations. Those companies will have 15 days to submit board-approved corrective action plans. If the plans are deemed insufficient, the Pentagon could take enforcement measures, including contract termination.
Earlier, Trump stated that US stockpiles of medium- and upper-middle-class ammunition have never been “higher or better” than they are now.
He added that these stockpiles would allow the United States to wage war “forever” and very successfully using only the weapons currently in storage.
