The U.S. Department of Defense is pushing arms makers to accelerate production after the war with Iran depleted key missile stockpiles. Deputy Secretary Steve Feinberg gave companies 21 days to submit plans. President Trump denies shortages and threatens leakers, while a $1.15 trillion defense budget remains stalled in Congress.

Pentagon Demands Faster Weapons Production as Iran Conflict Drains Arsenal

The U.S. Department of Defense is intensifying pressure on the defense industry to boost weapons production and replenish an arsenal that has been drastically reduced by the war against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the department aims to provide the weapons that combatants need at the pace the threat demands.

Feinberg's Warning and the 21-Day Deadline

Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg sent a memo to industry leaders on Wednesday, giving them a maximum of 21 days to present plans that drastically accelerate delivery schedules and increase production of critical capabilities. In the document, Feinberg emphasized that multi-year development cycles are unacceptable and that production capacity must be expanded immediately.

The Conflict's Impact on U.S. Stockpiles

According to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), ammunition consumption in the first month of the war with Iran was alarming:

  • More than 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched.
  • More than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD interceptors were used.
  • More than 1,300 tactical ballistic missiles were fired by the Army.

As a result, reserves of Patriot interceptors fell from 2,200 before the conflict to less than 827. THAAD interceptors dropped from 452 to less than 278.

Trump's Frustration and Congressional Gridlock

President Donald Trump has expressed frustration over reports of ammunition shortages. On his Truth Social platform, he claimed Washington possesses massive amounts of weaponry and threatened prison sentences for those who leaked the information. Despite his statements, the replenishment process is hindered by domestic politics: a defense spending bill of $1.15 trillion remains stalled in Congress due to Democratic opposition to massive Pentagon budget increases.

To break the impasse, the Pentagon has made firm efforts in recent months, announcing framework agreements with major contractors and tech startups. Notably, a contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin worth up to $58.6 billion to triple production of PAC-3 missiles by 2030. Companies such as Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Anduril, and Palantir have also been summoned to White House meetings to pressure lawmakers.

Sources: La Nación, Cadena 3.