Protracted wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are draining the US arsenal of interceptor missiles. The problem is especially severe in Palestine and in the Red Sea, where dozens of missiles are launched monthly against incoming rockets and drones.

Pentagon officials are urgently pushing weapons makers to produce more, but are bumping up against capacity and CAPEX constraints.

In another blow, China just announced an export ban on dual-use metals that are critical to the manufacture of missiles and other aerospace applications in the defense sector. Magnesium and tungsten, in particular, are two key materials necessary for the production of missiles, but where China effectively has monopolized the refining and production. China’s export ban will take effect on 1 December.

Resources and links:

Wall Street Journal, Pentagon Runs Low on Air-Defense Missiles as Demand Surges

Nikkei Asia, China to tighten export curbs on critical metals ahead of Trump’s return*

Six Strategic Metals Widely Used in the Military Industry

Magnesium in Defence

Forbes, The Titanium Supply Chain For The Aerospace Industry Goes Through Russia

Closing scene, Xuzhou Ancient Town, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan

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Via https://thechaoscat.com/2024/11/20/the-pentagon-is-running-out-of-missiles-after-december-1-that-will-be-a-big-problem/