The U.S. Department of Defense is asking defense contractors to increase missile production by up to four times, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 29th, citing sources. The move aims to build up stockpiles of weapons in preparation for a potential future clash with China.
According to the report, the Ministry of National Defense held its first committee meeting with missile manufacturers in Jun. At that meeting, Minister Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine attended. Several defense industry executives and new companies such as Anduril, an artificial intelligence (AI) defense firm, as well as manufacturers of key components such as rocket motors and batteries, were also called in.
Since then, the Ministry of National Defense has formed the "Munitions Production Acceleration Committee," held multiple meetings, and asked missile manufacturers to boost output. According to documents obtained by the WSJ, missile manufacturers were asked at these meetings to present step-by-step plans to increase production over the next 6 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
The main missiles the committee has in mind for increased production total 12 types. They include Patriot missiles, Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM), SM-6 missiles, Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM). Among them, the Patriot, an interceptor missile, is reportedly lagging demand at its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin.
The Ministry of National Defense ultimately wants suppliers to produce the same number of Patriot missiles every year. Sources said that would amount to four times the current output.
Shawn Parnell, a Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson, said in response to questions about the committee, "President Donald Trump and Minister Hegseth are seeking a special path to expand military power and accelerate munitions production."