The Pentagon is urging U.S. defense companies to increase production of weapons to replenish its depleted stockpile of munitions, including those used in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Accelerating Production
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the department is focused on boosting munitions acquisitions to provide the necessary weapons at the required pace. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg has given industry leaders 21 days to submit plans for faster delivery schedules and increased production for critical capabilities.
The memo from Feinberg emphasizes the need to dramatically accelerate program schedules and expand production capacity. This comes as recent fighting with Iran has depleted the U.S. military’s stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, potentially putting American troops at greater risk if hostilities resume.
A new analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies warns that shrunken inventories of Patriot and THAAD interceptors may force the U.S. and its Middle Eastern allies to take more risks to conserve air defenses. This could lead to a higher chance of incoming Iranian drones and missiles getting through.
President Donald Trump has responded to public reports of a munitions shortage, stating that the U.S. has ‘massive amounts’ of weapons and that large amounts are being manufactured and shipped as needed.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
