President Donald Trump announced on June 22 that General Motors and Ford will reallocate factory capacity to produce Patriot and Tomahawk missiles, a move that echoes the industrial mobilization of World War II and signals a dramatic escalation in US defense manufacturing priorities.
The decision comes as Washington scrambles to replenish munitions stockpiles depleted by recent military engagements, with more than 850 Tomahawk missiles already expended in conflicts involving Ukraine and Iran.
From assembly lines to missile lines
The Pentagon began discussions with major automakers back in April 2026 about mobilizing industrial resources for defense manufacturing. Those conversations have now moved from theoretical to operational.
GM CEO Mary Barra and Ford CEO Jim Farley have both been actively involved in the talks, which may lead to collaborations with established defense contractors like Lockheed Martin.
