The Pentagon has directed the US defense industry to rapidly increase weapons production and deliveries after shortages emerged in US stockpiles during the ongoing war with Iran. The information was reported by The Washington Post, citing a memorandum from the US Department of Defense.

In a letter sent last Wednesday to senior officials at defense companies, US Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg called for significantly faster and more aggressive delivery schedules for critical military capabilities. Companies were given 21 days to submit plans for expanding production.

Feinberg said development processes that take years are no longer acceptable and that program timelines must be dramatically shortened while production capacity is increased. Reports had already raised concerns about declining ammunition stocks, particularly supplies of Patriot interceptors used in missile defense systems. President Donald Trump had previously said the military has vast quantities of ammunition and that large amounts are being produced and sent to the United States as needed.