Pentagon gives defense executives 21 days to present plan for rapid weapon development – report

The Pentagon has given US defense industry leaders 21 days to submit plans for significantly faster weapon delivery schedules and increased production of critical capabilities, according to a Defense Department memo cited by The Washington Post. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg stated, "Years-long development cycles are not acceptable. We must dramatically accelerate our program schedules and expand our production capacity now." This directive follows reports of dwindling US stockpiles of highly accurate long-range missiles, including Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). While the White House disputed reports of shortages and a conflict between President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the memo also comes after the White House encouraged defense contractors to lobby Congress for increased military funding. Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the memo's authenticity, stating it aligns with efforts to rebuild the defense industrial base and accelerate production.