Complex weapons systems sometimes depend on inconspicuous components. This article explains why specialized materials are difficult to replace in the production of such systems, despite the small quantities involved.*
Whether drones, fighter jets, armored vehicles, or air defense systems, modern military technology relies on a wide range of critical raw materials. Even a few grams can be highly important for sensors, communication, control systems, or target acquisition. However, the quantity used is not the only decisive factor. As in civilian applications, it is primarily the special chemical and physical properties of these raw materials that enable certain functions.
Small Quantities, Important Functions
Drones illustrate this principle particularly well. Their propulsion systems, batteries, and sensors use various specialized raw materials, each serving very different purposes. The German Mineral Resources Agency (DERA) estimates that global demand from drones and other electrically powered aircraft amounted to 38 metric tons of neodymium, 4.3 metric tonnes of dysprosium, and 1.6 metric tonnes of germanium in 2023. Demand could increase considerably by 2045. Depending on the scenario, DERA forecasts demand of 165 to 733 metric tons for neodymium, 10.5 to 105 metric tons for dysprosium, and 5.6 to 6.8 metric tons for germanium.
The growing use of drones is also increasing the need for technologies to detect and counter them. Gallium based semiconductors are used in radar systems, electronic warfare, and high-frequency communications, for example. Germanium plays an important role in infrared optics and thermal imaging technology.
Dr Christian Hell, Senior Manager for Germanium & Minor Metals at TRADIUM: "The supply situation for germanium is extremely critical, if not dramatic. Without this raw material, key infrared and thermal imaging functions in many modern weapons systems may cease to operate. Figuratively speaking, the systems become blind.”
Protection, Ammunition and Ignition Technology
Other raw materials are used primarily in armor and ammunition. Because of its hardness and relatively low weight, boron carbide is suitable for producing protective ceramics. Due to their high density, tungsten alloys are used in armor-piercing ammunition and certain armor applications, among other things.
Frank Meier, Senior Manager for Minor Metals at TRADIUM: “In addition to civilian applications, we are seeing strong growth in additional military demand for tungsten. In this sector, the raw material is used primarily in the form of tungsten alloys for various types of ammunition and armor. The many conflicts around the world are tying up additional quantities in ammunition and certain missiles. Once deployed, these materials are generally lost from the raw material cycle.”
Thomas Grob, Head of Metal Powders & PGM Compounds at TRADIUM: “Boron, titanium, and zirconium are available in sufficient quantities worldwide. There are currently no signs of acute processing bottlenecks either. In powder form, they play an important role in certain ignition and pyrotechnic mixtures, including those used in ammunition. Reliable supply and processing chains therefore remain essential.”
What Is Known About Material Requirements
It is difficult to quantify how much of these and other materials is contained in individual military systems. The quantities vary depending on the system and its configuration, while detailed information is often not publicly available for reasons of confidentiality. An older estimate by US government agencies attributes approximately 4.2 metric tons of rare earth materials to a Virginia-class submarine, for example, without providing a breakdown by individual element.
However, figures like these reveal little about supply risks. The key question is whether the required material is available in the necessary quality, at the right processing stage, and from approved supply chains. The second part of this series examines why the defense industry’s relatively low demand compared with civilian industries makes procurement particularly challenging.
The the second part of this series examines why the defence industry’s relatively low demand, compared with that of civilian industries, makes procurement particularly challenging.
*The article and infographic provide illustrative examples of selected raw materials used in military applications. They are not intended to be comprehensive.
