1051 ET - General Motors is working to quickly scale its defense unit, which is expected to log almost $700 million in revenue this year. The company is building a backlog of future business, vying for military and defense contracts, CEO Mary Barra says on a call with analysts. GM is also collaborating with "leading companies" such as Lockheed Martin to support the defense industry. "We're focusing our efforts on strengthening supply chain management, improving manufacturing readiness, and expanding production capacity in ways that serve the United States and its allies," Barra says. "Over time, all of this should make GM Defense a more meaningful and diversified contributor to our earnings." The partnerships come as stockpiles have dropped because of the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and as the Trump administration and Pentagon officials have pressed weapons makers to accelerate production with the help of other manufacturers. (connor.hart@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 21, 2026 10:51 ET (14:51 GMT)

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