Trump: US automakers could shift into missile production

US President Donald Trump has said that some US automakers, including Ford and General Motors, could begin producing weapons such as Patriot and Tomahawk missiles as part of efforts to expand domestic defense manufacturing capacity.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the move would involve companies with excess production capacity entering agreements to manufacture missile systems and related military equipment, Caliber.Az reports. 

He clarified that this refers to firms repurposing available industrial capacity to support defence production, including missile procurement and manufacturing.

Trump also said General Motors was already showing strong interest in participating in weapons production and noted that the company operates several facilities that could potentially be converted for military use.

The US president added that the country was increasing arms production to ensure sufficient supplies of Patriot missile systems, emphasising the need to maintain strong reserves. He described the current expansion as part of what he called a strong economic boom in weapons manufacturing, with additional capacity being integrated into defense production lines.

By Sabina Mammadli