President Donald Trump announced Ford and General Motors will repurpose idle factory capacity to produce Patriot and Tomahawk missiles. This initiative seeks to expand the U.S. defense industrial base. The White House aims to replenish munitions stockpiles depleted by recent conflicts.
The plan leverages Detroit’s manufacturing capacity to revive the World War II Arsenal of Democracy playbook. Automakers have held discussions with the Pentagon regarding these complex weapons systems for several months.
Ford and General Motors have not yet confirmed specific production contracts. Trump’s announcement marks the most direct signal of the administration's intent to involve automakers in missile manufacturing.