Defense industry leaders are gearing up for a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. The focus will be on addressing the diminishing U.S. supply of missiles. Sources report President Trump will urge approximately seven defense companies to increase production for the Pentagon. Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg is also expected to be in attendance.

President Trump is reportedly unhappy about the depleted stockpiles. This concern is heightened by the potential resumption of major combat operations in Iran following recent events. An Iranian action led to the downing of a U.S. Army helicopter, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes. ‘We hit them hard yesterday, and we’re going to hit them again hard today,’ Trump remarked from the Oval Office.

A White House official stated there was no confirmed meeting with defense leaders on the president’s schedule, leaving room for rescheduling or cancellation. The Pentagon did not provide a comment when asked.

The war has exposed worries about the Pentagon’s munitions stockpile. Defense officials emphasize the rapid consumption of missiles and interceptors is causing alarm. Military experts and lawmakers alike are questioning the United States’ defensive capabilities against potential threats. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reassures there is no cause for concern.

Despite President Trump’s online claims of ample weapon supplies, some dispute exists. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly insists the military has sufficient munitions to meet all strategic objectives, referencing Operation Epic Fury as a demonstration of U.S. power. She highlights the president’s directive encouraging defense contractors to produce more American-made weaponry.

Those familiar with the planned meeting express concern about potential tensions. Trump’s impatience with the current stockpile situation is evident. NBC News previously highlighted the lack of new contracts addressing missile shortages since Trump took office. Existing agreements fail to include contracts for replenishing munitions, according to insiders.

The stockpile has dwindled further following U.S. military aid to Ukraine after the 2022 invasion by Russia. Recent operations like Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury have exacerbated the issue. Capitol Hill officials and experts estimate a $20 billion investment is necessary for missile production to restore stockpile levels to pre-2022 figures.

On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee presented a defense budget surpassing $1 trillion, emphasizing munitions production. The need for munitions has led the U.S. to redirect supplies from Europe and Asia to support the conflict against Iran, according to NBC News.

Though production is ongoing, most existing contracts originated years ago. Several officials, former officials, and lawmakers suggest recent operations have negatively impacted U.S. military readiness. A Center for Strategic and International Studies study indicated a broader shortage of weapons, with specific emphasis on long-range precision weapons like Tomahawks and Patriot missiles.

The study estimates the U.S. had around 3,100 Tomahawk missiles before the conflict with Iran, with about 1,000 now depleted. Replenishing Tomahawk stockpiles could take more than three years even if new contracts were issued immediately.