Senators and nominees highlight munitions shortfalls, drone proliferation and intelligence gaps

Senators from both parties told Vice Admiral Brad Cooper and Lieutenant General Alexis Grinkovich that U.S. forces need more munitions, faster drone production and robust ISR to deter and respond to multiple theaters of conflict.

Why it matters: Members said shortages in munitions and the pace of drone production could limit U.S. and allied options in sustained conflict. Lawmakers pressed nominees to help close the feedback loop between combatant commanders and the acquisition system.

What was said - Munitions and magazine depth: Senators described the U.S. munitions industrial base as strained by concurrent high‑intensity demands in the Middle East and Ukraine. "We need a lot more to increase capacity for our munitions industrial base," Senator Cotton said; both nominees agreed and called for an "all‑of‑the‑above" approach to expand production. - Drone production and counter‑UAS: Senators and witnesses discussed differences in production scale; witnesses said U.S. production lags perceived foreign output and urged cutting red tape to bring private‑sector technology to warfighters faster. "We need to leverage that tech sector to maximum capability and deliver capability in the very near term," Cooper said. - ISR requirements: Both nominees described ISR as essential. Cooper said ISR is needed to both protect the homeland and deter Iran; Grinkovich stressed ISR's role in monitoring Russian activity across maritime and air domains. - Acquisition and feedback loops: Senators urged closer integration between combatant commanders and acquisition processes so demand signals reach industry faster. Nominees said they would provide candid military advice and help close those gaps if confirmed.

Ending: Senators asked the nominees to press for expedited procurement, expanded production and stronger trans‑Atlantic industrial capacity; nominees pledged to make munitions, counter‑UAS and ISR priorities.