Global
The United States faces an escalating crisis in its missile and ammunition stockpiles, driven by ongoing military operations, such as interventions against Iran-backed groups, which have prompted defense companies to accelerate production increase plans. Despite billions of dollars being poured into expanding factories, assembly lines, and hiring thousands of workers, the pace of production remains behind military needs, threatening the sustainability of stockpiles in any upcoming conflict. In Tucson, Arizona, a factory operated by RTX works around the clock to increase the production of Tomahawk missiles and other insufficient munitions, currently used in American operations. In Arkansas, Lockheed Martin is adding hundreds of workers to triple its output of much-needed Patriot interceptor missiles. Subcontracting companies, including Boeing, L3Harris, and Northrop Grumman, have also begun establishing new assembly lines to meet the growing demand for electronics, rocket engines, and other necessary components for these weapons. Defense industries are spending billions of dollars to build factories and boost production, aiming to replenish the United States' nearly depleted advanced missile stockpiles. However, these efforts have not yet translated into actual production increases. Assessments warn that most new missile deliveries will come "too late" if any significant conflict erupts within the next two years. Commenting on the situation, retired Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, who was NATO's top military official until last year, stated: "Defense ministers have huge budgets, but they go into stores and find only empty shelves. They are frustrated."
