Pentagon pushes arms makers to speed output as shortages bite
What's new: Defense firms were asked to submit late-August plans to raise capacity for interceptors, sensors and missile-tracking systems.
The Pentagon is pressing major US defense contractors to deliver key weapons faster and expand production capacity as concerns grow over strained stockpiles during the conflict with Iran. In an Aug. 5 letter, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg told companies including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and RTX that the department wants accelerated procurement for wide-area surveillance, air-defense sensors and interceptors, missile-tracking systems, satellite communications and next-generation air defenses. He also highlighted Lockheed Martin’s Next Generation Interceptor, designed to defend the United States from intercontinental ballistic missiles. Companies were asked to send plans by late August showing how they could shorten delivery schedules or increase output.