Defense

Pentagon Gives Arms Makers 21 Days to Speed Output as Iran War Drains Missile Stockpiles

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Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of a THAAD missile-defense launcher mounted on a heavy military truck firing an interceptor skyward from a paved site, with a brilliant exhaust flare and billowing smoke at the launcher, low buildings and antenna masts along the road behind it under an open sky.

Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg gave American arms makers no more than 21 days to submit plans for faster deliveries and expanded production, writing that years-long development cycles are not acceptable. Reporting this week said the US military has nearly exhausted its long-range ATACMS and PrSM missiles, with Patriot and THAAD interceptor stocks significantly eroded after the Iran war. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the memo is authentic but called it routine budget planning. The White House disputed the shortage reports, saying the country has more ammunition than it needs. The shortage has been cited as a factor in the decision not to escalate against Iran.

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