The Challenge

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are critical to the United States' national defense, playing an indispensable role in the development and performance of advanced military technologies. These elements are essential for producing key components in systems such as radar, missile guidance, advanced communications, and electric vehicle technologies, all of which are vital to maintaining a technological edge on the battlefield. The growing dependence on REEs in defense applications, coupled with the fact that much of the global supply is concentrated in foreign nations, makes the secure access and domestic sourcing of rare earths a national security priority. Ensuring a stable, sustainable supply of REEs is thus integral to safeguarding the U.S.'s strategic capabilities, operational readiness, and defense innovation in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. technologies and best practices.