US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said his administration is pressing American defence manufacturers to sharply accelerate weapons production, warning that companies could face tougher government action if delivery delays continue.
Addressing the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump told Republican lawmakers that the United States must move faster to meet defence requirements. “We are going to start producing our weapons much faster. We will get tough on the companies,” he said, adding that defence contractors were being directed to speed up manufacturing and deliveries.
Highlighting long production timelines, Trump cited India as an example while referring to delays in US military exports. Referring to India’s purchase of Apache attack helicopters, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue with him during earlier interactions. Trump remarked that foreign buyers often wait years for US-made defence equipment, hurting customer confidence and the domestic defence industry.
The Indian Army inducted the first batch of three AH-64E Apache helicopters on July 22, 2025, after they arrived at Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi. The delivery came more than 15 months later than originally planned, largely due to global supply chain disruptions and shifting geopolitical conditions.
Manufactured by Boeing, the AH-64E Apache is among the world’s most advanced attack helicopters, designed for precision strikes in day, night and adverse weather, and valued for its heavy armour, advanced sensors and powerful weapons systems globally today.
Donald Trump seeks faster US weapons production, vows tough action on delays
WASHINGTON, JAN 6 (AGENCIES)