War Secretary Hegseth calls for faster US manufacturing

Hegseth visited Bath Iron Works to push for quicker defense production.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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During a visit to Bath Iron Works in Maine, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth called for accelerating domestic manufacturing to meet the Pentagon's demand for U.S.-made weapons and equipment.

Why it matters

The U.S. defense industrial base has faced challenges in recent years, including supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. Hegseth's comments reflect the Biden administration's efforts to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities, especially for critical military hardware.

The details

Hegseth said the Pentagon is prioritizing U.S.-made weapons and pushing to rebuild the country's defense industrial capacity. His visit to Bath Iron Works, a major shipbuilder, underscores the administration's focus on shoring up domestic production to support the military's needs.

  • Hegseth visited Bath Iron Works on Monday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. War Secretary, appointed by the Biden administration to oversee the Pentagon's efforts to strengthen the domestic defense industrial base.

Bath Iron Works

A major U.S. shipbuilder located in Bath, Maine, that produces vessels for the U.S. Navy.

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What they’re saying

“Go fast. We win.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. War Secretary (ntd.com)

What’s next

The Biden administration is expected to continue its push for strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities, including through increased investment and policy initiatives, to support the military's needs.

The takeaway

Hegseth's visit to Bath Iron Works and call for faster U.S. manufacturing underscores the administration's efforts to bolster the domestic defense industrial base, which is seen as crucial for maintaining military readiness and technological superiority.