Pentagon Conducts Discussions With GM, Ford, and GE Aerospace Regarding Weapons Production Capacity

TLDR

• The Pentagon has engaged in discussions with GM, Ford, GE Aerospace, and Oshkosh regarding reallocating factory capacity to weapons manufacturing
• Talks began prior to the U.S.-Iran war but have been sped up due to depleted munitions stockpiles
• Defense officials asked companies if they could quickly transition to producing munitions, missiles, and counterdrone technology
• Trump has submitted a request for a $1.5 trillion military budget, the largest in modern history
• This initiative mirrors WWII, when Detroit automakers paused car production to make military equipment

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(SeaPRwire) –   The Trump administration is requesting leading U.S. manufacturers — including General Motors and Ford — to take on a more significant role in weapons production. Defense officials have held initial talks with company executives about using their factory facilities and workforce to manufacture munitions and military gear.

The Pentagon recently asked GM and Ford to start manufacturing weapons. The last time this occurred was during World War II…

Senior defense officials met with Mary Barra and Jim Farley to discuss redirecting factory capacity toward munitions and military equipment.

GE Aerospace and… https://t.co/nD6DYm6duw pic.twitter.com/CE9XsyaOWG

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 16, 2026

These talks are part of an effort to put U.S. manufacturing on what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls a “wartime footing.” According to sources familiar with the discussions, senior defense officials met with GM CEO Mary Barra, Ford CEO Jim Farley, and other executives.

GE Aerospace and heavy vehicle manufacturer Oshkosh were also part of the conversations. The Pentagon inquired whether these companies could rapidly shift to defense work and what obstacles might hinder this, such as complex contracting rules or bidding requirements.

GE Aerospace (a division of GE)

Oshkosh, which already builds tactical troop carriers for the U.S. Army, entered talks with the Pentagon in November after Hegseth publicly called on companies to boost production. The firm generates approximately $10.5 billion in revenue, most of which comes from non-defense sectors.

“We’ve been proactively exploring capabilities that we believe align with their needs,” said Logan Jones, chief growth officer for Oshkosh’s transport segment.

The talks started before the Iran war, but the conflict has added urgency. U.S. strikes on Iran have depleted weapons stockpiles, adding to pressure that has been building since the U.S. began supplying Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Depleted Stockpiles Drive Urgency

Since 2022, the U.S. has sent billions of dollars’ worth of weapons to Ukraine, including artillery, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles. Military operations tied to Israel’s Gaza conflict have also further drained supplies.

Trump met with executives from seven defense contractors in March to discuss replenishing those stockpiles. The latest talks include commercial manufacturers that are not traditional defense companies.

The idea is not new. During World War II, Detroit automakers stopped making cars and instead produced bombers, aircraft engines, and military trucks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GM and Ford collaborated with medical device companies to produce ventilators.

GM Already Has a Defense Foothold

GM currently operates a defense subsidiary that makes a lightweight infantry squad vehicle based on the Chevrolet Colorado pickup. This program is a growing part of the business, though it still accounts for a small share of GM’s overall revenue.

The automaker is also seen as a top candidate to build a larger infantry squad vehicle for the Army — one that would replace the Humvee and serve as a mobile power and command center.

Trump this month requested a $1.5 trillion military budget, a $500 billion increase over current levels and the largest Pentagon budget request in modern history. The proposal includes major investments in munitions and drone manufacturing.