The U.S. Department of Defense has alerted defense industry leaders that they have no more than 21 days to replenish resources.
Pentagon / © Associated Press
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The Pentagon is urging the U.S. defense industry to rapidly increase the production and supply of weapons, particularly ammunition, due to shortages amid the conflict with Iran.
This is stated in a memorandum from the Department of Defense, obtained by The Washington Post.
No More Than 21 Days Remain
Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg warned defense industry leaders that they have no more than 21 days to replenish resources. He is calling for a “significantly faster and more aggressive delivery schedule and/or increased production of critical capabilities.”
Two sources revealed that the arms deficit has become a source of tension between President Donald Trump and the Department of Defense. The directive is the latest step in a series of actions taken by the Pentagon and the White House to address the arms shortage.
Industry experts suggest that this issue may remain unresolved until a gridlocked Congress allocates additional defense spending.
Despite reports of a deficit, Trump has publicly assured that the U.S. has a “tremendous amount” of ammunition.
White House Met with Defense Companies
Three sources familiar with the matter reported that in late July, defense contractors and Silicon Valley arms industry startups were summoned to the White House for a meeting with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, and White House Director of Legislative Affairs James Brady to discuss sensitive armament issues.
Representatives from prominent companies such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Anduril, and Palantir were present at the meeting. Company executives were asked to lobby lawmakers directly for increased defense spending through coordination with Congress.
Astronomical Missile Costs for the War in Iran
According to The Post, in the first month of the war in Iran alone, the U.S. is estimated to have fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptor missiles. The U.S. also expended over 1,300 Army tactical ballistic missiles in the initial weeks of hostilities.
As of last week, global stocks of Patriot missiles had decreased from 2,200 before the war to fewer than 827, and THAAD missiles from 452 to fewer than 278, according to CSIS analysis.
Journalists from the publication believe that the depletion of ammunition and defense system stockpiles has increased the risk to U.S. military personnel and forced the White House to forgo further attacks.
U.S. Budget for 2028
During the review of the 2028 budget, the Deputy Secretary of Defense emphasized that several weapon programs are critically important. These include:
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the “Next Generation Interceptor” missile defense program,
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the “National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System,”
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a mobile air defense radar system,
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an advanced pilot training system,
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a space-based missile tracking system.
Additionally, he appealed to defense companies to “propose specific capital investments and facility expansions to support the Department’s commitment to increased volumes and steady orders.”
U.S. Missile Shortage Affects Ukraine – Latest News
It is worth recalling that in recent days, according to official statistics, Ukrainian air defense has not shot down any Russian ballistic missiles. On the night of August 8, air defense neutralized 135 out of 151 enemy drones but did not intercept any ballistic missiles.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump refused to transfer Patriot missile systems to Ukraine. Explaining his decision, he stated that his predecessor had already sent “many missiles” to Kyiv.
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