India, Aug. 9 -- The Pentagon has given US defense companies just 21 days to submit plans for significantly faster weapons production, as concerns grow over depleted American munitions stocks following months of fighting with Iran.

Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg issued the directive to industry leaders on Wednesday, according to a memo obtained by The Washington Post. The memo calls for companies to propose ways to accelerate deliveries and increase production of critical military systems.

"Years-long development cycles are not acceptable," Feinberg wrote, according to The Washington Post. He called for a sharp expansion of production capacity and faster program schedules.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Saturday tha...