U.S. President Donald Trump has summoned top officials from the Department of Defense (the Pentagon) and leading defense industry companies for a meeting at the White House this week. The aim is to accelerate missile and ammunition production amid rising concerns over dwindling U.S. stockpiles due to heavy use in the recent conflict with Iran.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the meeting follows a previously postponed one originally scheduled for mid-June due to negotiations that resulted in a cease-fire with Iran. Expected attendees include senior Pentagon officials, along with CEOs from major companies like Lockheed Martin, RTX (Raytheon), Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Honeywell.
The discussions are set to focus on speeding up the production of Patriot interceptors, Tomahawk missiles, and other defense systems like THAAD and PrSM.
The Pentagon has already established preliminary contracts with these companies; however, significant production expansion awaits funding approval from Congress. Estimates suggest the Pentagon will request substantial amounts within the fiscal year 2027 budget to support this expansion.
President Trump has previously enacted the Defense Production Act to facilitate increased military production, reflecting concerns over the depletion of U.S. stockpiles. According to analyses by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), significant portions of precise missile stockpiles and air defense systems have been used in operations against Iran, impacting U.S. readiness.