NATO and the EU have identified critical raw materials for defense and technological resilience, with the land, naval, aerospace, and guided weapons sectors all requiring these materials. For example, main battle tanks use raw materials in sensors, weapons, armor, hull, and communications, with sensors increasingly relying on materials like silicon and ceramics. China is a major global producer of key materials like copper and germanium, which are important for defense technologies.
Modern warships also utilize critical materials, with aluminum being heavily used in shipbuilding. The EU is largely reliant on imports for materials like aluminum, with China being a major producer. To address supply risks, the EU is promoting domestic extraction, processing, and recycling of critical materials. Member states are developing their own strategies, with measures like creating industrial stockpiles of materials and improving supply chains.
France, Spain, Germany, and other European countries have introduced policies to enhance supply security for critical raw materials in the defense sector. For example, France’s Military Programming Law allows for the creation of industrial stockpiles, while Spain’s Defense Industrial Strategy aims to strengthen supply chains. Germany’s National Security and Defense Industry Strategy includes the use of a national raw materials fund and improved monitoring of supply chains.
Efforts to mitigate supply risks for critical raw materials in defense sectors are ongoing within the EU, with various countries developing strategies to enhance supply security. While specific government documents focused on defense are not yet available, policies like creating industrial stockpiles, strengthening supply chains, and utilizing national raw materials funds are being implemented. Overall, the focus is on promoting domestic extraction, processing, and recycling of critical materials to ensure resilience in defense technologies.
