Donald Trump activates the Defense Production Act to address arms restrictions. The aim is to boost the production of rocket engines, ammunition and complex guidance systems.
US President Donald Trump has decided to address restrictions on arms supplies, ammunition development and supply chains through the Defense Production Act. This follows from a memorandum published on Tuesday at a time of growing concern in Washington whether American arms manufacturers can meet demand, TASR reports based on a Reuters report.
- Production of rocket engines and guidance is low.
- Trump is solving problems in the supply of weapons and ammunition.
- Restrictions may threaten US national defense.
- The Minister of Defense can enter into agreements with industry.
- The law makes it possible to react more quickly to defense threats.
Solid rocket motors and guidance systems are among the most critical and capacity-constrained subsystems required in weapons production, whether for existing systems or for future modernization programs.
Conditions can be a threat
“I hereby find that conditions exist that may pose a direct threat to the national defense or its readiness programs,” Trump said in a June 11 memo to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. The White House chief referred to “constrained manufacturing capacity, fragile supply chains, dependence on long lead times and related manufacturing bottlenecks.”
The memorandum gives the Secretary of Defense the authority to enter into voluntary agreements with the private sector aimed at strengthening the defense industry. The Defense Production Act allows the President or those authorized to negotiate with representatives of industry, business, and other interest groups to enter into voluntary agreements in support of national defense. However, this is only possible if there are circumstances that could pose a direct threat.
