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What are the main risks in rearming countries like the US and Germany?
Rearming efforts face significant risks due to supply chain vulnerabilities, especially reliance on limited suppliers for critical materials. Countries like the US and Germany are investing in domestic production, but dependence on foreign sources, particularly China, poses a threat to timely and effective military buildup.
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Why are rare earth elements and oxidizers like ammonium perchlorate so critical?
Rare earth elements are essential for modern military technology, including electronics and weapon systems. Oxidizers like ammonium perchlorate are vital for missile propulsion. Shortages or disruptions in these materials can delay military readiness and impact the effectiveness of defense systems.
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How does reliance on China threaten future military readiness?
China supplies a large portion of the world's rare earth elements, which are crucial for advanced military equipment. Dependence on Chinese sources creates a vulnerability; if supply chains are disrupted due to geopolitical conflicts, it could hinder the production of essential military hardware.
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What steps are countries taking to secure their supply chains?
Many nations are investing in domestic manufacturing and diversifying their sources for critical materials. The US, for example, is expanding missile component production and increasing capacity for oxidizers, while Germany is working to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths through strategic reserves and alternative suppliers.
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Could supply chain issues delay military upgrades or new weapon systems?
Yes, supply chain bottlenecks for key materials can slow down the development and deployment of new military systems. Limited production capacity and reliance on a few suppliers mean that shortages could delay upgrades and impact overall military readiness.
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Are there global efforts to address these supply vulnerabilities?
International cooperation and strategic stockpiling are part of ongoing efforts. Countries are also investing in research to find alternative materials and improve recycling methods to reduce dependency on limited sources, aiming to build more resilient supply chains for future conflicts.