Defense Dependency
A single US F-35 fighter jet requires approximately 417 kg (920 lbs) of rare earth materials. A Virginia-class submarine requires nearly 4 tonnes. They are used in:
- Guidance Systems: Samarium-Cobalt magnets stabilize fins and gyroscopes.
- Communications: Erbium amplifiers drive secure fiber optics.
- Sonar: Terbium/Dysprosium alloys (Terfenol-D) are used in advanced sonar transducers.
This military reliance makes the current supply chain concentration a primary national security concern for NATO nations.