WASHINGTON: The Pentagon has reached out to major American manufacturers, including automakers, as part of efforts to expand weapons production and strengthen the US defence industrial base amid ongoing global conflicts.
According to the Wall Street Journal, senior US defence officials have held discussions with executives from companies such as General Motors and Ford Motor about their potential role in producing military equipment and supplies.
Pentagon wants Ford and General Motors to ‘help war effort’ by making weapons and military supplies as stocks rapidly become depleted https://t.co/XDuAJSySGy
— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) April 16, 2026
The talks, which began before the current war with Iran, reflect the Trump administration’s push to involve a broader range of industrial players in defence manufacturing.
Officials reportedly explored whether commercial manufacturers could quickly adapt their production lines to support military needs, reports Reuters.
Other firms involved in the discussions include GE Aerospace and Oshkosh, a vehicle and machinery manufacturer.
A Pentagon official said the Defense Department “is committed to rapidly expanding the defense industrial base by leveraging all available commercial solutions and technologies to ensure our warfighters maintain a decisive advantage.”
The move comes as the United States seeks to replenish weapons stockpiles that have been significantly reduced due to military support for Ukraine and operations in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump has also proposed a $500 billion increase in the military budget, bringing it to $1.5 trillion, as Washington looks to bolster its defence capabilities during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
