WASHINGTON—The White House said it is conducting a broad review of the strength of the U.S. defense-industrial sector to try to correct weaknesses in advanced technology and industrial policy.

The Pentagon has long been worried that the decline in important parts of U.S. manufacturing has weakened U.S. national security. The review, to be completed in 270 days, asks the Defense Department and other agencies to assess industry’s strengths and weaknesses, the White House said. The review stems from an executive order expected...