Part 8/12:
Some of the most crucial applications depend on rare earth magnets, especially neodymium magnets, which are extraordinarily powerful. These tiny magnets are used in smartphones, electric motors, and many defense applications. The U.S. once developed advanced magnet technologies but lost critical manufacturing capabilities when China acquired key companies and patents in the 1990s, effectively taking control of the entire supply chain.
Dependence on China for Defense and Technology
Today, critical U.S. defense systems—including stealth fighters like the F-35, cruise missiles, and sophisticated laser systems—rely heavily on rare earth elements. Nearly half a ton of rare earths are used in each F-35 aircraft, illustrating the strategic depth of dependence.