This article appears in “ The Scramble for Critical Minerals ,” FP’s collection of essential articles on a through line in U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign-policy agenda. Explore the full collection .
Every Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet, for example, is engineered with more than 920 pounds of rare earths. More than 5,700 pounds of rare earths underpin hulking Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, according to the consultancy Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, and each Virginia-class submarine requires more than 10,000 pounds of the coveted metals.
Take a look at the U.S. military arsenal, and you’ll find that much of the United States’ firepower depends on rare earths—powerful materials whose supply chains are largely controlled by China.
Take a look at the U.S. military arsenal, and you’ll find that much of the United States’ firepower depends on rare earths—powerful materials whose supply chains are largely controlled by China.
Every Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet, for example, is engineered with more than 920 pounds of rare earths. More than 5,700 pounds of rare earths underpin hulking Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, according to the consultancy Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, and each Virginia-class submarine requires more than 10,000 pounds of the coveted meta
Continue Reading on Foreign Policy
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.