U.S. military platforms like the Virginia-class submarine and Arleigh Burke destroyer require thousands of kilograms of rare earth elements (REEs).
F-35 Fighter jets alone use over 400 kg of REEs, essential for weapons targeting systems, lasers, and other advanced onboard technologies.
Elements like Neodymium, Praseodymium, Samarium, Dysprosium, and Terbium are common across all platforms, primarily due to their role in permanent magnets used in propulsion and guidance.
Currently, over 70% of U.S. rare earth imports come from China.
