The Pentagon announced framework agreements on March 25 with BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Honeywell Aerospace to surge production of munitions and defense systems. The Department of War — its newly restored name — described the shift as moving to a "wartime footing." [1]

Lockheed Martin's deal quadruples production of the Precision Strike Missile, building on a $4.94 billion Army contract from last year. The PrSM has already seen combat use against Iran. Honeywell committed $500 million over several years to expand output of navigation systems, missile steering actuators, and electronic warfare components. BAE Systems' agreement covers ammunition and vehicle systems. [2]

The agreements are framework deals, not final contracts — they establish intent and unlock capital investment before formal procurement orders arrive. The structure lets manufacturers begin tooling and hiring without waiting for congressional appropriations to clear. [3]

The political subtext is hard to miss. Congress has not authorized the war with Iran. The Pentagon is now signing multi-year production agreements predicated on a conflict that lacks the legal foundation the Constitution requires. The industrial base is being mobilized around a war whose authorization remains classified briefings and executive assertion.

-- Samuel Crane, Washington