The U.S. Department of Defense has initiated a push for the American defense sector to speed up the production of weapons in an effort to replenish its dwindling arsenal of munitions, including those depleted during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The call comes as recent hostilities have further depleted stocks of advanced missile interceptors such as Patriot and THAAD, potentially leaving U.S. troops vulnerable should fighting resume. In a memo sent to industry leaders last week, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg demanded plans for faster delivery schedules or increased production for critical capabilities within 21 days, citing the need to dramatically accelerate program schedules and expand production capacity immediately. The drive towards rapid weapons manufacturing is part of a broader modernization effort aimed at rebuilding the defense industrial base and keeping pace with evolving global security threats. The push comes amidst a stalemate in Congress over a defense spending bill, with lawmakers expressing concerns over President Trump's military action against Iran and resisting proposals to significantly increase Pentagon spending to $1.5 trillion. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the number of Patriot interceptors has fallen from 2,330 before the war to between 759 and 827, a decrease of at least 65%, while the number of THAAD interceptors has dropped from 452 to between 232 and 262. Despite some inventory replenishment, both stockpiles remain significantly smaller than before the conflict began. The Pentagon insists that the drive for rapid weapons production will inform the fiscal year 2028 budget submitted to Congress for funding, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a robust defense industrial base in the face of global security challenges.