In an attempt to replenish a depleted arsenal of munitions, the U.S. Department of Defense is urging American defense companies to expedite production rates. This initiative comes in response to concerns over diminished stocks, particularly those used in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The department's focus is on increasing munitions acquisitions to meet the pace at which threats demand military equipment. In a recent memo to industry leaders, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg requested plans for faster delivery schedules or increased production of critical capabilities within 21 days. This push for accelerated production is part of a broader modernization effort that predates the five-month-old conflict. The urgency stems from the use of advanced missile interceptors in recent fighting with Iran, potentially leaving American troops vulnerable if hostilities resume. A recent analysis indicates that shrinking inventories of Patriot and THAAD interceptors may compel U.S. forces to take more risks to conserve air defenses, increasing the risk of incoming Iranian drones and missiles evading defense systems. President Trump has disputed reports of a munitions shortage, stating that "massive amounts" are being manufactured and shipped as needed. The memo seeking rapid escalation in weapons production will inform the fiscal year 2028 budget submitted to Congress for funding, aiming to rebuild the defense industrial base. A defense spending bill is currently stalled in Congress due to lawmakers' discontent with Trump's military action against Iran and resistance to substantial increases in Pentagon spending to $1.5 trillion, up from about $900 billion last year. The number of Patriot interceptors has decreased significantly since the war began, with an estimated stockpile now between 759 and 827, a decrease of at least 65% compared to pre-conflict levels. Similarly, the number of THAAD interceptors has fallen from 452 before the war to between 232 and 262 at the start of the April ceasefire, with some replenishment bringing the stockpile to between 234 and 278 interceptors. However, the stockpile is still at least 38% smaller than it was before the conflict began.