The U.S. Department of Defense is intensifying pressure on private defense firms to ramp up manufacturing capabilities. In a memo issued Wednesday, Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg informed contractors that they have a three-week window to address production timelines and delivery schedules. The urgency of this request is tied directly to the state of the nation’s military reserves, which have seen significant depletion since the beginning of the war with Iran.

While the Pentagon has not publicly detailed the specific consequences for firms that fail to meet these new expectations, the memo signals a shift toward a more aggressive procurement strategy. The administration is seeking to ensure that the military maintains a sufficient supply of munitions to handle ongoing operational requirements. The directive reflects broader concerns within the defense establishment regarding the industrial base's ability to keep pace with the demands of active conflict. As of now, the defense industry has been tasked with providing updated production plans to the Pentagon within the specified three-week timeframe to ensure that stockpiles can be replenished more efficiently.