Senior U.S. defence officials have approached Detroit’s biggest automakers about the possibility of producing military equipment, as the Pentagon looks to expand its manufacturing capacity in response to growing global conflicts, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal.
The Journal reports that executives from Ford and General Motors – including GM CEO Mary Barra (below) and Ford CEO Jim Farley – have held discussions with top Pentagon leaders about how the auto industry could support defence production. People familiar with the talks told the publication the conversations were broad in scope, centering on whether carmakers could act as a supplemental manufacturing base if traditional defence contractors fall short.
A key focus of the discussions has been whether automakers could quickly pivot their operations to produce weapons systems or components, particularly as U.S. stockpiles face pressure from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Officials reportedly asked whether companies like Ford and GM could step in during shortages, helping to manufacture items such as munitions or counter-drone technologies on short notice.
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According to the Wall Street Journal, established defence firms including GE Aerospace and Oshkosh have also participated in these conversations, which began prior to the most recent escalation involving Iran. The broader goal is to strengthen the U.S. defence industrial base – a priority that has taken on urgency as demand for military hardware continues to rise. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recently emphasized the need for the industry to adopt a “wartime footing,” reflecting a more aggressive stance on production readiness.
Pentagon officials have also asked automakers to outline potential obstacles to entering the defence sector. These include complexities in the contracting process, regulatory requirements, and the logistics of shifting large-scale manufacturing from civilian to military use.
In a statement cited by the Journal, a Defense Department official said the Pentagon is committed to expanding production capacity by tapping into commercial expertise and technology, ensuring U.S. forces retain a competitive edge. That push has intensified since the U.S. began supplying significant quantities of weapons to Ukraine in 2022. The department has also proposed a record $1.5 trillion budget, with substantial funding earmarked for munitions and drone production.
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The idea of automakers contributing to defense manufacturing is not new. During both World War I and World War II, American car companies retooled factories to produce tanks, aircraft, and other military equipment, playing a central role in what became known as the “Arsenal of Democracy.” More recently, global automakers have explored similar collaborations, including Volkswagen’s reported consideration of producing components for Israel’s Iron Dome system. GM, for its part, is already active in the sector through its GM Defense division and is reportedly competing for future military vehicle contracts.
While no firm commitments have been announced, the Wall Street Journal reports that current discussions are largely exploratory. Still, the Pentagon’s outreach suggests a growing expectation that automakers may need to be ready to shift gears quickly if defense demands escalate further.
