Pentagon Creates Cell to Oversee Expansion of Weapon Production Lines

The Pentagon has created a new cell within its acquisition office to oversee the expansion of weapon production lines amid a growing need to replenish munition stockpiles given to Ukraine.

The organization, called the Joint Production Accelerator Cell, has been tasked with “building enduring industrial production capacity, resiliency, and surge capability for key defense weapon systems and supplies,” according to a March 10 memo establishing the office from Pentagon acquisition chief Bill LaPlante. Erin Simpson has been named executive director of the cell.