The Pentagon has warned that U.S. missile stockpiles are too low for a possible war with China. Military officials fear that current supplies may not last in a long Indo-Pacific conflict. Therefore, they are asking defense companies to boost production urgently. The goal is to double or even quadruple output of 12 key weapons systems. These include Patriot missiles, SM-6, JASSM, LRASM, and PrSM.
Missiles like the SM-6 take over two years to build, creating serious delays in resupply during war. Because of this, the Pentagon is pushing for faster manufacturing. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman are under pressure. Officials want to see a 2.5× increase in production within 6 to 24 months. The plan includes expanding factories, speeding up licensing, and using private investment.
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Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg is leading this urgent effort. He heads the new Munitions Acceleration Council, created for this mission. Feinberg is personally calling defense CEOs each week to track progress. The Pentagon says these companies must act fast to prepare for future conflict. It has become a top priority in U.S. defense planning.
Contractors are now hiring more workers and upgrading facilities. However, experts say the task is not easy. Missile production depends on long and complex supply chains. Shortages in materials or skilled labor could delay results. Still, defense leaders insist action must happen now to avoid disaster later.
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Overall, the U.S. sees China as a rising threat in the Indo-Pacific. The Pentagon wants to ensure American forces are not caught unprepared. If war breaks out, having enough missiles could make a major difference. Officials say it’s better to prepare now than to fall short in crisis.