# The talks started before the war in Iran, the Wall Street Journal says.

*aerospace · news · 2026-04-16 · Newsmax*

## Key points

- U.S. defense officials have held preliminary talks with GM, Ford, and other manufacturers about weapons production.
- The discussions began before the Iran war and seek to involve automakers in defense manufacturing.
- GE Aerospace and Oshkosh were also participants in these talks with Pentagon officials.
- Trump has requested a $500 billion increase in the military budget to $1.5 trillion amid conflict with Iran.
- The Pentagon is considering leveraging commercial manufacturers to rapidly expand the defense industrial base.

**Companies:** General Motors, Ford Motor, GE Aerospace, Oshkosh
**Countries:** United States, Iran

[Read the full story on Newsmax](https://www.newsmax.com/us/pentagon-weapons-general-motors/2026/04/15/id/1253092/)

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