High-ranking US defense officials have engaged in preliminary discussions with executives from General Motors (GM) and Ford Motor (F) about boosting weapons and military supplies production, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources familiar with the talks.

These broad conversations, which predated the war in Iran, reflect the Trump administration's push for US automakers and manufacturers to take on larger defense roles. Officials inquired whether the companies could rapidly pivot to support traditional defense contractors, according to the report.

GE Aerospace (GE) and vehicle maker Oshkosh also participated in the meetings. No immediate comments were available from the companies outside business hours.

A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the Department of Defense remains committed to "rapidly expanding the defense industrial base by leveraging all available commercial solutions and technologies to maintain a decisive edge for our warfighters."

The talks occur as the US replenishes stockpiles depleted by strikes on Iran and prior aid to Ukraine and Israel amid conflicts in Gaza. President Trump met with leaders of seven major defense contractors in March and recently proposed boosting the defense budget by $500 billion to $1.5 trillion.

GM, a leader in the auto sector with shares at $72.98 and an analyst consensus target of $125, operates in a competitive landscape marked by the shift to electric vehicles. Ford trades at $11.21 against a $9.55 target, with analysts rating it Outperform despite fundamental challenges.

GE Aerospace, already in the defense space, focuses on jet engines and propulsion systems, with shares at $273.25 nearing the $285 consensus target under a Buy rating.

Such discussions could signal opportunities for industrial diversification amid heightened global tensions, though details on commitments or timelines remain unclear from available reports. The WSJ notes the exploratory nature of the exchanges.