The Trump administration will host senior executives from the largest US defense contractors at the White House on Friday to accelerate weapons production after recent military operations drained critical stockpiles. Officials familiar with the plan said companies such as Lockheed Martin and RTX, the parent company of Raytheon, have been invited for urgent discussions. The Pentagon aims to replenish munitions used in strikes on Iran and other global deployments. The meeting reflects growing concern in Washington about maintaining readiness amid rising international tensions.
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The urgency has intensified because the United States has already drawn heavily from its reserves since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and Israel launched operations in Gaza. Billions of dollars’ worth of artillery systems, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles have been supplied abroad during these conflicts. Moreover, the recent Iran strikes required longer-range missiles that exceed the types previously delivered to Kyiv. As a result, defense planners now face mounting pressure to restore inventories without slowing ongoing commitments.
In addition, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg has been leading work on a supplemental budget request estimated at around $50 billion to replace depleted weapons systems. Officials indicated that the proposal could be released as soon as Friday, although the figure remains preliminary and subject to change. The additional funds would primarily cover munitions consumed in Middle East operations and other recent missions. Lawmakers are expected to closely examine how quickly manufacturers can scale production once financing becomes available.
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Meanwhile, the Iran operation involved the deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles, F-35 stealth fighter aircraft, and low-cost one-way attack drones during coordinated strikes over the weekend. Raytheon, which manufactures the Tomahawk missile, recently reached an agreement with the Pentagon to eventually increase output to 1,000 units annually. However, the Pentagon currently plans to purchase only 57 Tomahawks in 2026, each costing an average of $1.3 million. This gap highlights the broader challenge of aligning long-term production goals with immediate defense needs.
Furthermore, the administration has increased pressure on contractors to prioritize output over shareholder payouts by tightening oversight of performance standards. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January directing officials to identify underperforming contractors that distribute profits while falling behind on obligations. Companies placed on that list will have 15 days to submit board-approved correction plans. If those plans fail to satisfy Pentagon requirements, authorities may pursue enforcement actions, including potential contract terminations.