A Washington Post-obtained Pentagon memo shows the Pentagon has ordered U.S.
defense firms to rapidly raise weapons production and deliveries, citing acute
ammunition shortages tied to the war with Iran. The previously unreported memo
says Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Fanberg told industry leaders to submit
plans within 21 days to “significantly accelerate, adopt more aggressive
delivery schedules and/or increase output of critical capabilities.” He added
that multi-year R&D timelines “are unacceptable. We must substantially speed
program timelines and immediately expand capacity.” The directive comes as
weapon shortfalls have become a point of tension between Trump and the Defense
Department.
