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Pentagon Pushes Contractors to Quadruple Missile Output, WSJ Reports

The Pentagon aims to produce nearly 2,000 Patriot missiles annually, about four times current output, to address supply chain risks and depleted stockpiles amid rising China tensions.

  • On Monday, the Pentagon told suppliers to double or quadruple missile production, citing low stockpiles and a 'breakneck schedule' and targeting 12 critical weapon systems including Patriot interceptors, LRASM, SM-6, PrSM and JASSM.
  • Earlier this year, a Govini report found stockpiles strained after more than three-and-a-half years of war in Ukraine and a 12-day Israel‑Iran war, while Chinese companies made up 9.3% of Tier‑1 suppliers in 2024.
  • Industry has begun expanding capacity, with Lockheed Martin receiving a nearly $10 billion contract and the Pentagon buying $3.5 billion in AIM‑120 missiles, as Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg leads the Munitions Acceleration Council.
  • Industry leaders emphasize they need funded, long‑term purchase commitments, and experts warn tens of billions more will be needed despite Boeing's and Northrop Grumman's investments, according to a July 3 letter.
  • Over the next 6, 18 and 24 months, the Pentagon wants a 2.5‑fold increase target and aims for nearly 2,000 Patriot interceptors annually—roughly four times today's rate.
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Defense One broke the news in Washington, United States on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
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