How U.S. Defense Industry Dodged a Rare-Earth Shortage After China’s Curbs
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Tomahawk missiles rely on samarium-based magnets for heat-tolerant fins, enabling their long-range accuracy of up to 1,000 miles.
- China controls over 85% of the world's rare-earth magnet production and has restricted samarium exports to U.S. defense contractors following tariff disputes.
- A temporary supply of samarium from a European stockpile dating back to the 1970s has allowed U.S. missile production to continue, but this source is limited.
- The U.S. government is urgently seeking new samarium sources as Chinese export controls prevent defense contractors from accessing previous supply channels.
- Unlike common neodymium magnets used in consumer electronics, the defense industry specifically requires samarium-cobalt magnets
