The Pentagon has ordered US defense companies to accelerate weapons production and deliveries as the Iran war has depleted key US munitions stockpiles. The Washington Post reported that Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg told defense industry leaders in a memo that they have 21 days to submit plans to drive significantly faster, more aggressive delivery schedules and increased production for critical capabilities.

The Pentagon has also pursued framework agreements with major defense contractors and technology firms to expand production. But those agreements are nonbinding and depend on congressional funding. The directive comes as the Pentagon seeks to replenish stocks of weapons, including Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies said the global inventory of Patriot missiles had fallen from about 2,200 before the war to fewer than 827, while THAAD stocks dropped from 452 to less than 278. The Pentagon’s push comes as a 1.15 trillion US Dollar defense spending bill remains stalled in Congress, potentially delaying efforts to rapidly expand weapons production.