US Ammunition Runs Low Due to War, Asks Car Manufacturers to Produce Weapons
The Pentagon, or the US Department of Defense, is reportedly approaching car manufacturers and other manufacturers in the US to help increase weapons production. This comes as the US, along with its ally Israel, has been engaged in a war against Iran since late February.
The information, as reported by Reuters and Anadolu Agency on Friday (17/4/2026), was revealed by a leading US media outlet, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), in its latest report on Wednesday (15/4), citing several sources familiar with the current situation.
WSJ’s report states that Pentagon officials have held talks with several major US car producers, including General Motors and Ford Motor, as well as other manufacturers, in an effort to replenish dwindling ammunition stockpiles.
WSJ reports that the administration of US President Donald Trump wants car manufacturers to play a more significant role in military production. Discussions on this matter reportedly began before the war against Iran erupted.
In this context, Pentagon officials have met with senior executives in the US automotive industry, including General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley.
GE Aerospace and vehicle and engine manufacturer Oshkosh are among the companies involved in talks with Pentagon officials.
According to sources cited by WSJ in its report, the war against Iran and support for Ukraine have depleted US ammunition stockpiles. Therefore, the Pentagon is considering involving automotive companies in the process.
US defence officials quoted by WSJ stated that American car manufacturers may be needed to support traditional defence contractors. These US car producers were also asked whether they could quickly switch to defence work.
Reuters was unable to independently verify the report immediately. General Motors, Ford Motor, GE Aerospace, and Oshkosh have not yet provided direct responses to the WSJ report.
An unnamed Pentagon official told Reuters that the US Department of Defence is “committed to rapidly expanding the defence industrial base by leveraging all available commercial solutions and technologies to ensure our warfighters maintain their decisive edge”.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Israel’s attack on the Gaza Strip in 2023, the US has deployed billions of dollars worth of weapons supplies, including artillery systems, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles. This month, Trump has requested a massive military budget increase of US$500 billion, bringing it to US$1.5 trillion, amid the US war against Iran.