President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have promoted plans to sharply increase production of advanced missile systems and interceptors, arguing they are essential for potential conflicts with China, Russia or North Korea. Defense companies have outlined major expansion goals, but much of the increased output would not come online for several years.

The effort faces immediate obstacles. The administration has requested a 1.45 trillion dollar defense budget, yet it does not currently have full congressional approval or dedicated funding for the expanded weapons purchases. At the same time, the ongoing war with Iran has depleted munitions stockpiles, forcing the Pentagon to divert weapons intended for allies and pull supplies from Europe and Asia.

Defense experts warn that existing stockpiles were already strained by support for Ukraine and earlier military operations. Simulations of major conflicts have shown that key munitions could be exhausted within weeks. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern about the Pentagon’s funding strategy, especially after contentious hearings in which Hegseth sharply criticized members of Congress whose votes are needed to pass the budget.

Defense contractors are proceeding cautiously, signaling they will wait for firm funding commitments before making large investments to expand production. As a result, even if Congress approves the administration’s request, it could take years before weapons output reaches the levels officials say are necessary.