Pentagon Pushes Defense Industry to Ramp Up Production

The Pentagon is pressuring the US defense industry to significantly ramp up the production of weapons and ammunition. The reason is dwindling stockpiles, which have been further depleted by the war with Iran, according to The Washington Post.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg has given manufacturers 21 days to submit plans on how to increase production and shorten delivery times. The situation is particularly critical for missiles for the Patriot and THAAD systems.

According to a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimate, the number of Patriot interceptors has fallen from 2,330 before the conflict to approximately 759–827, a decline of at least 65%.

Despite partial replenishment, THAAD missile stocks remain at least 38% lower. The shortage could force US forces to conserve their air defense capabilities and take on greater risk in future attacks.

President Donald Trump denies reports of ammunition shortages and claims that the US has a large stockpile of weapons and that more are being produced.

(mja)