Kathmandu— The Pentagon has issued a call to the United States defence industry to accelerate weapons production in order to replenish diminishing munitions stockpiles, particularly those used in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Spokesman Sean Parnell stated on Saturday that the department is focused on increasing acquisitions to meet demands, but emphasized this effort predates the five-month-old war. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg formally requested industry leaders submit plans within 21 days to dramatically speed up delivery schedules and increase production of critical capabilities, citing unacceptable years-long development cycles.

Shrinking Stockpiles Raise Security Concerns

Recent fighting with Iran has significantly depleted US military stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors, raising concerns among experts about potential vulnerabilities. An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) indicates that shrunken inventories of Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors could force the US and its allies to take greater risks in conserving air defenses. The report suggests American forces may be compelled to launch fewer interceptor missiles against incoming threats, increasing the possibility of successful attacks.

Dramatic Production Increases Demanded

In a memo obtained by The Washington Post, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg demanded that defense contractors drastically accelerate program schedules and expand production capacity. He explicitly stated that years-long development cycles are no longer acceptable. This push comes as the US seeks to rebuild its defense industrial base and ensure it can meet future demands for weaponry.

Stockpile Losses Detailed in CSIS Analysis

According to a recent estimate by CSIS, the number of Patriot interceptors has fallen from 2,330 before the war to between 759 and 827 – a decrease of at least 65 percent. THAAD interceptor numbers have also declined significantly, dropping from 452 to between 234 and 278, representing a reduction of at least 38 percent. Retired US Marine Corps colonel Mark Cancian, an author of the CSIS analysis, warned that dwindling supplies leave limited options: “We don’t have that many [interceptors] left, and there are no good substitutes. If we run out of Patriots, then the missiles get through.”

Congressional Funding Remains a Hurdle

A defence spending bill is currently stalled in Congress as lawmakers express concerns over President Trump's military actions against Iran and resist requests for substantial increases to Pentagon funding – from approximately $900 billion last year to $1.5 trillion. Even with increased funding, experts predict it will take at least three years to restore Patriot and THAAD interceptor levels to pre-war numbers.

The Pentagon has affirmed that the request for accelerated weapons production will be reflected in the fiscal year 2028 budget submitted to Congress, signaling a long-term commitment to rebuilding the defense industrial base.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.