Defense Secretary Says U.S. Munitions Stockpiles Are Strong

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that reports of a U.S. munitions shortage are inaccurate. "That is a manufactured story that the media wants to peddle and ultimately our stockpiles are great, and they're only getting stronger," he said on Face the Nation.

Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 30 during a hearing on the Pentagon's $1.5 trillion budget request. He estimated then that replenishing some munitions could take months or years after months of conflict with Iran.

Hegseth said production facilities are being built and output is increasing. He attributed prior low inventory levels to transfers made during the previous administration. Pressed about his earlier remarks, Hegseth said some systems require longer lead times than others but added that supplies remain sufficient.

Congressional Response Democratic Sen.

Mark Kelly of Arizona, who also appeared on the program, said munitions stocks are a concern after more than 10,000 targets were struck during the conflict. Kelly said the United States must now manage remaining supplies carefully. The Defense Department has not released figures on total munitions expended in the Iran war.