Pentagon Gives Defense Contractors 21 Days to Rebuild America's Depleted Missile Stockpiles

The Pentagon has directed U.S. Defense manufacturers to develop plans within 21 days to substantially increase weapons production amid ongoing military operations that have strained American missile and ammunition supplies.

Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg issued the directive to defense industry executives on Wednesday, requiring contractors to submit detailed proposals for "significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production for critical capabilities" Within the specified timeframe.

An internal Department of Defense memorandum, obtained by The Washington Post, instructs weapons companies to rapidly expand manufacturing capacity and reduce delivery timelines for critical munitions. The Pentagon indicated that traditional procurement and manufacturing schedules are insufficient during active military engagement.

"Years-long development cycles are not acceptable," Feinberg stated. "We must dramatically accelerate our program schedules and expand our production capacity now."

The order reflects growing concern within the administration and Pentagon about ammunition consumption rates and highlights disagreement between President Donald Trump and Defense Department officials regarding weapons stockpile conditions. Experts note that replenishing reserves at the Pentagon's proposed scale may depend on Congress approving additional emergency military funding.

Trump disputed characterizations of weapons shortages in a Thursday Truth Social post, saying the country possesses "massive amounts" Of munitions and that "large amounts are being manufactured and shipped to the US as needed."

The Pentagon is also pursuing "framework agreements"-nonbinding legal arrangements involving major defense contractors and newer technology firms - to accelerate production of inexpensive strike weapons and sophisticated air-defense systems, including Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the memorandum's authenticity and stated that accelerating manufacturer production "has been the clear intent of the President and this Secretary from the start." He added that the document will inform the fiscal year 2028 budget submission to Congress and is "entirely consistent with our ongoing push to rebuild the defense industrial base."