A few days ago, the NATO published a list of 12 defense-critical raw materials that are essential for the production of modern defense systems and equipment. These materials play a key role in ensuring the operational capability of the allied defense industry.
Aluminum, for example, plays a key role in the production of lightweight, robust military aircraft and missiles. Graphite, on the other hand, impresses with its high strength and thermal stability and is used in battle tanks and corvettes. In submarines, graphite’s properties also reduce acoustic signatures and strengthen stealth capabilities.
Cobalt is another essential raw material. It is used in superalloys for jet engines, missiles and submarines, which have to withstand extreme loads and temperatures. “The secure supply of these raw materials is crucial for NATO’s technological edge and operational capability,” the press release states. “Disruptions could jeopardize the production of important defence systems.” By identifying such materials, NATO says it wants to take “an important step to ensure robust and resilient supply chains for the Alliance’s defense and security”. https://militaeraktuell.at/12-drohnen-lektionen-aus-dem-ukraine-krieg/ This initiative is part of a roadmap adopted by the NATO defense ministers in June 2024which aims to secure member states’ supply chains against potential disruptions that could jeopardize the Alliance’s deterrence and defence capabilities. The list of defense-critical commodities was developed by the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) and is based on a methodology specifically designed to meet defense requirements.
List of critical NATO raw materials for the defense sector:
- Aluminum
- Beryllium
- Cobalt
- Gallium
- Germanium
- Graphite
- Lithium
- Manganese
- Platinum
- Rare earths
- Titanium
- Tungsten
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