Trump calls in defense big guns to ‘quadruple’ weapons production as officials ‘scramble’ to support Iran war
Trump Mobilizes Defense Industry to Boost Weapon Production Amid Iran Conflict
President Donald Trump is engaging major defense firms to scale up production of advanced weaponry, as Pentagon personnel work urgently to secure arms for the escalating war with Iran. The U.S. military has launched thousands of missiles in both offensive and defensive capacities since the conflict began a week ago, targeting over 2,000 locations across Iran.
Missile Exchange Intensifies as Battle Enters Second Week
Tomahawk cruise missiles have been striking Tehran, while Iranian ballistic missiles and Shahed drones target U.S. and Gulf state installations. With the war expanding into its second week, questions arise about the U.S.’s ability to maintain support for allies and defend against sustained Iranian attacks.
“We overemphasize nuclear deterrence without considering how missile defense is critical to the overall strategy,” said a former U.S. military official to the Daily Mail.
Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s defense and space commissioner, highlighted the insufficient supply of missiles for the Gulf states and Ukraine to withstand multiple threats. Smoke from strikes in Tehran rose on Friday, underscoring the intensity of the conflict.
Strategic Air Assets in the Conflict
The U.S. has deployed B1 bombers to overseas bases, supporting Operation Epic Fury. US Central Command confirmed the use of long-range Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs) in combat during the operation. Pentagon officials recently sought 100 more military intelligence officers to aid US Central Command, signaling potential gaps in pre-operation intelligence planning.
“There’s a surge of unprocessed intelligence that needs integration and final reporting,” remarked a military official to the Daily Mail.
Defense Executives Commit to Production Surge
Trump convened top executives from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Honeywell, and L3Harris Technologies at the White House to discuss scaling up missile output. The meeting followed a seven-day joint strike by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, which eliminated much of the country’s missile inventory.
The executives pledged to “quadruple” production of high-precision, long-range weapons, including hypersonic systems, to sustain the war effort. Despite Trump’s claims of enduring military capability, the administration is now prioritizing rapid manufacturing to meet escalating demands.
Exploring Cost-Efficient Alternatives
Defense leaders suggested turning to innovative start-ups like Anduril, Singularity, and Castelion for affordable air defense options. These companies could replenish depleted stocks of expensive Patriot and THAAD interceptors, which cost millions per unit. The executive noted that while established primes dominate large-scale production, emerging solutions in space, cyber, and directed energy systems may also be vital.
Trump may seek additional congressional funding to expand the arsenal, with estimates suggesting a $50 billion supplemental package could catalyze manufacturing. The focus remains on balancing high-impact capabilities with cost-effective alternatives to ensure long-term operational readiness.
