“The Department is aggressively pursuing and integrating the best of American innovation wherever it is located to deliver manufacturing at scale and increase resiliency across supply chains,” the official added.
Senior defense officials have discussed the production of weapons and other military supplies with top executives from several companies, including General Motors and Ford Motor. The Wall Street Journalquoting people familiar with the discussions.
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President Donald Trump walks to reporters before answering questions before boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on April 10, 2026. (Win McNamee/Getty Images/Getty Images)
The newspaper reported that the Pentagon is considering letting the companies use their workforce and factory capacity to ramp up production of munitions and other war materials as conflicts in Ukraine and Iran continue.
GE Aerospace and vehicle and equipment manufacturer Oshkosh have also reportedly held talks with defense officials, according to the Journal.
The talks began more than a month ago ahead of the conflict in Iran, officials told the newspaper.
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The Pentagon is exploring ways to expand weapons production by using American manufacturers, officials said. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
The talks come at a time when the military is looking to increase production of ammunition and tactical hardware, including missiles and counter-drone technology, the report said.
Defense officials said accelerating weapons production is a national issue securitythe report said.
Officials also asked companies to identify barriers to undertaking additional defense work, including contract requirements and challenges in the bidding process.
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The Pentagon is trying to expand weapons production by tapping U.S. automakers and manufacturers, officials said. (Reuters/Al Drago/File Photo / Reuters Photos)
The Pentagon’s recent $1.5 trillion budget request includes funding for munitions and drone production.
