Pentagon orders rapid increase in production to overcome US arms shortage

The Pentagon has urged the defense industry to rapidly increase weapons production as the US arsenal is being depleted in the ongoing conflict with Iran. In a letter sent to defense industry leaders, Pentagon Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg has set a maximum deadline of 21 days for submitting emergency weapons production and rapid delivery plans.

Feinberg made it clear that the old development process that has been going on for many years is no longer acceptable.
The widespread use of advanced missile interceptors in recent wars has reduced the stockpile of important defense weapons such as Patriot and THAAD by at least 65 percent. According to experts, the shortage could seriously endanger the air security of US forces and its Middle Eastern allies.

However, US President Donald Trump has dismissed the report of the arms shortage as baseless. He claimed that the United States has a lot of weapons and is currently producing weapons in the largest number of factories in the country's history.

The Pentagon said the decision to ramp up production will be included in the 2028 defense budget. However, due to political tensions in Congress over the budget, and despite adequate funding and new contracts, experts have warned that it will take at least three years to restore the arsenal to pre-war levels.

Source: Al Jazeera.