The Pentagon has urged American missile manufacturers to accelerate output of 12 critical weapons systems amid heightened concerns over a possible future conflict with China, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
Citing people familiar with the matter, the report said United States defence officials have called on manufacturers to “double or even quadruple” production at a “breakneck schedule”, amid worries over the adequacy of U.S. ammunition stockpiles should tensions with Beijing escalate further.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Deputy Defence Secretary Steve Feinberg, who is overseeing the effort through the newly established Munitions Acceleration Council.
The council has been tasked with fast-tracking production timelines and removing bottlenecks in the supply chain.
Feinberg is reportedly holding weekly calls with senior executives from leading U.S. defence contractors to push progress and maintain momentum on the ramp-up.
The move marks one of the most aggressive Pentagon efforts in recent years to expand domestic weapons manufacturing capacity, underlining concerns in Washington over long-term strategic competition with China.
The push comes as the U.S. has already increased defence spending and weapons deliveries to allies, including support for Ukraine and Taiwan, stretching existing production lines.
Industry executives have previously warned that scaling up at the requested pace will require significant investments in facilities, labour and raw materials.
