The Pentagon is contacting GM and Ford to increase US weapons production capacity
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The Trump administration is turning to U.S. automakers and manufacturers to ramp up World War II-style weapons production, a Pentagon official confirmed to FOX Business.
“The Department of Defense is committed to rapidly expanding the defense industrial base using all available commercial and technological solutions to ensure that our military ultimately benefits,” a Pentagon official told FOX Business.
“The Department is aggressively pursuing and integrating the best of American innovation, wherever it resides, to deliver high-quality products and drive sustainability throughout the supply chain,” the official said.
Senior defense officials have discussed the production of weapons and other military equipment with top executives from several companies, including General Motors and Ford Motor, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the discussions.
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President Donald Trump addresses reporters before answering questions before boarding Air Force One on April 10, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (Wina McNamee/Getty Images/Getty Images)
The agency reported that the Pentagon believes that companies have used their workers and industrial capacity to increase the production of weapons and other military equipment as the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran continue.
GE Aerospace and auto and machinery maker Oshkosh have reportedly held talks with defense officials, according to The Journal.
The talks began before the conflict in Iran more than a month ago, officials told the outlet.
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The Pentagon is looking at ways to increase weapons production by U.S. energy producers, officials said. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
The talks come as the military seeks to increase production of weapons and tactical equipment, including missiles and counter-drone technology, the report said.
Defense officials said speeding up weapons production was considered a national issue securityaccording to the report.
Officials also asked companies to identify barriers to taking on more defense work, including contractual requirements and challenges with the bidding process.
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The Pentagon wants to increase weapons production by tapping American automakers and manufacturers, officials said. (Reuters/Al Drago/File Photo/Reuters)
The Pentagon’s latest $1.5 trillion budget request includes funding for weapons and drone production.
FOX Business has reached out to General Motors, Oshkosh and GE Aerospace for comment. Ford Motor declined to comment.
