. Is the US preparing to attack China? This question arises because the US Defense Ministry has suddenly ordered all missile-manufacturing companies to double or quadruple production. At a time when all of Europe is embroiled in the Ukraine war, Donald Trump himself keeps claiming he is trying to stop the war. So what led the US government to order an increase in missile production? Is this a sign of World War III?
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon is concerned that the US does not have enough ammunition for a potential war, and therefore, it is now essential to rapidly increase production. The Pentagon held an emergency meeting with 12 top weapons manufacturers, and these orders were issued there. It is being said that Trump is also scheduled to meet with the country’s army commanders in a few days. This decision by the US sends a very dangerous signal before that. A special team has been formed to determine the number of weapons to be produced, led by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg. He is constantly calling companies through the Munitions Acceleration Council, gathering details about their production progress. According to reports, the Pentagon aims to increase production by 2.5 times in the next six to 18 months.
Which Weapons Are Ordered?
Patriot Interceptor Missiles
Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM)
Standard Missile-6 (SM-6)
Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM)
Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM)
The Pentagon aims to produce approximately 2,000 Patriot missiles annually, four times the current production capacity. To meet this goal, Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract worth approximately $10 billion in September to produce PAC-3 missiles from 2024 to 2026.
America’s Dependence on China
A report by defense analytics firm Govini raises concerns that the United States is heavily dependent on China’s supply chain. In 2024, Chinese companies accounted for 9.3% of the nine key sectors of the US defense sector. Specifically, 11.1% of suppliers in the missile defense sector and 7.8% in the nuclear sector were Chinese. Many of America’s key weapons and defense programs, such as missile defense, nuclear capabilities, and space projects, rely on products from China. If China suddenly stopped supplying them, America would be in a precarious position.
Why is such preparation being made?
The Pentagon states that the purpose of increasing missile production is solely to counter future threats. In the event of a war with China, the US military must be fully prepared. Experts say this plan signals America’s intention to accelerate military preparedness and stay ahead in strategic competition. If production targets are met on time, the US will have a sufficient stockpile of advanced weapons.
Fears of a Third World War?
While discussions are raging in the media and on social platforms about whether America’s preparations are a sign of a Third World War, defense experts say this is simply part of preparation and strategy. They believe the US is taking these steps to maintain security and peace under any circumstances.
