Deputy Defense Secretary Feinberg Gives Boeing, Lockheed and RTX Until Late August to Say How Much Faster They Can Build Weapons

Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg wrote to major U.S. defense contractors on August 5, 2026 asking them to submit plans by late August for “more aggressive delivery schedules and/or increased production capacity” on a list of critical programs. “Years-long development cycles are not acceptable,” he wrote in the letter, which Bloomberg reported it had seen and The Washington Post reported first. Named programs include RTX’s AN/SPY-6 naval radar, Lockheed Martin’s Next Generation Interceptor and Boeing’s T-7A trainer. Responses are to inform the fiscal 2028 defense plan.

The request follows months of conflict with Iran and warnings about depleted munitions and interceptor stockpiles. It is notable because Trump has publicly denied any shortage, saying the country has “massive amounts” while warning of consequences for those who say otherwise, though he also allowed that some systems are “a little bit tighter.” The letter documents an internal procurement posture that sits uneasily alongside that public account.

The letter is dated August 5, 2026 and was reported August 9. Company responses are due in late August; no procurement decisions have been announced.