(US, 9th) US Deputy Secretary of Defense Vannberg has requested major American defense companies to speed up the production and delivery of critical weapon systems and to submit related plans by the end of August.
According to Bloomberg, Vannberg stated that the US Department of Defense is working to accelerate or increase procurement of key projects, including wide-area surveillance systems, air defense sensors and interceptors, as well as missile tracking systems.
In a letter dated August 5th to major defense companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and RTX, he said: "Years-long development cycles are unacceptable. We must significantly accelerate project schedules and immediately expand production capacity."
The Washington Post also reported this news earlier.
With the ongoing Iran war, the status of US weapons stockpiles has become an increasing concern. President Trump has denied that the US is facing a shortage of munitions, but admitted that delivery of some weapon systems is "somewhat slow."
In his letter, Vannberg also focused on needs beyond the Iran war, including satellite communications and next-generation air defense systems. Another priority is Lockheed Martin’s next-generation interceptor project, which aims to defend against intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Vannberg has required all companies to submit plans by the end of August, detailing how they will achieve faster product deliveries or increase production capacity.