U.S. missile production leans heavily on Chinese metals
According to the Ukrainian portal Defence Express, the American military sector is heavily dependent on external supplies of technological resources. This reliance resulted in the U.S. importing rare metals from China to produce missiles, including the Tomahawk. Ukrainians suggest this might explain why Donald Trump showed interest in sourcing metals from Ukraine.
The United States must import rare metals from China to produce missiles such as the Tomahawk. This situation underscores their dependence on Chinese supplies, which is particularly significant given the ongoing competition in developing modern military machinery. It is worth noting that Beijing is building, among other things, a modern submarine.
USA dependent on China
The defence sector requires tungsten, a crucial element for producing modern tanks, armoured vehicles, and ammunition. Although small deposits are found in the U.S. and Africa, China possesses the largest tungsten reserves. Consequently, the U.S. must import this critical element from China to build missiles, as reported by Defense Express.
The Ukrainian portal highlights that while the American defence industry is generally efficient, it cannot operate without essential resources. According to an analysis by the CSIS Institute in 2023, in a potential conflict between the USA and China, Americans could launch at least 5,000 cruise missiles of various types, including Tomahawk and Harpoon.
Factories are efficient but need materials
The challenge lies in the fact that although the USA can produce a similar amount of ammunition in a maximum of 25 months, this requires access to essential resources, which are not available domestically and must be sourced from China.
Defense Express notes that while the American defence industry depends on metal supplies from China, in 2018, the authorities ordered the US military to systematically reduce its reliance on external materials and technologies, particularly from China. However, by 2023, it was apparent that Pentagon and US Air Force research facilities had become even more technologically dependent on China.
Tomahawk missiles
The Tomahawk cruise missiles, referenced by Defense Express concerning potential production difficulties, are among the most recognizable and versatile components of the weaponry used by American forces and their allies. They are designed for precise attacks on distant targets, specializing in eliminating key objectives, such as command centres, critical infrastructure, ammunition depots, and strategic military installations. Tomahawks are notable for their ability to fly at low altitudes, utilizing natural terrain features to evade radar detection and counter enemy air defences.
With a range exceeding 1,900 kilometres, these missiles are capable of long-range attacks, minimizing risk to crews and combat units. They employ advanced navigation systems, such as GPS, inertial systems, and radars, resulting in exceptional accuracy even in challenging combat conditions. Tomahawks can be deployed from various platforms: surface ships, submarines, and mobile land launchers, making them highly versatile for military operations.
