Depleted Stockpiles Push U.S. to Recruit Auto Giants for Missile Production

White House to Meet with Top U.S. Defense Contractors

According to Главком: This week, the White House is set to convene a meeting with leading American defense contractors in an effort to accelerate ammunition production, as military reserves come under increasing strain. The move comes after nearly four months of armed conflict with Iran, which has placed heavy financial demands on the U.S. Department of Defense. President Donald Trump confirmed the session will take place on Wednesday, while authorities are also bringing civilian automotive companies into the fold to manufacture missiles, including Patriot systems.

RTX Corp. is expected to take part in the meeting. Last week, automaker General Motors Co held talks with RTX and other contractors. General Motors Co plans to repurpose several of its plants to produce Patriot systems, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and other weaponry. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated that Trump has demanded a ramp-up in weapons output.

Costs and Consequences of the Iran Conflict

Trump has also invoked the Cold War-era Defense Production Act, ordering Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to enter into voluntary agreements. A separate administration directive from January 2026 bars contractors from paying dividends or buying back shares. The war with Iran is estimated to have cost the U.S. Department of Defense around $40 billion, with the Pentagon requesting an additional $80 billion in funding.

Of these expenses, $26 billion went to munitions, including the use of roughly one thousand Tomahawk missiles, each valued at $2.5 million. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has distanced himself from the agreement with the U.S., which grants Tehran broad economic benefits and postpones nuclear program talks. Khamenei authorized the deal after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian took responsibility for it.

“This meeting between the White House and defense contractors underscores the growing pressure on the U.S. to maintain military readiness amid an active armed conflict.” – Anna Kelly, White House spokesperson

The involvement of civilian automotive companies in military production may signal efforts to optimize resources and respond more quickly to the armed forces’ rising needs. The conflict with Iran, which has already incurred significant costs, could shape U.S. strategic decisions in the region and affect its relationships with allies.