Pentagon Discusses Shifting Auto Industry Toward Weapons Production

(MENAFN) Senior defense officials have reportedly engaged in discussions with top executives from major U.S. car manufacturers about the possibility of converting parts of their industrial capacity to support military production, according to reports.

The talks involved companies such as General Motors and Ford, with officials asking whether their factories could be quickly adapted to manufacture tactical equipment, missiles, and counter-drone systems in order to reinforce the output of established defense contractors.

Officials also sought input from industry leaders on the main obstacles to entering defense manufacturing, including regulatory requirements, contracting procedures, and challenges within the bidding system.

According to reports, the discussions were framed around the idea of expanding domestic arms production as a matter of national security priority.

The outreach comes amid concerns that U.S. weapons stockpiles may be under pressure due to ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine and Iran.

In a separate development, reports indicate that the Pentagon has requested White House approval for a funding package exceeding $200 billion, which would be submitted to Congress to support military operations related to the war in Iran.

The proposed funding is intended to increase production of weaponry being used in the conflict, according to three individuals familiar with the matter.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected claims of ammunition shortages, insisting that the United States maintains what he described as a “nearly unlimited stockpile” of precision-guided munitions.

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