The United States confronts an unprecedented strategic vulnerability in its defense supply chain through overwhelming dependence on foreign nations for rare earth elements. These materials power everything from F-35 fighter jets to precision-guided missiles, creating a chokepoint that threatens national security. The pentagon’s rare earth investment involves a massive $2.8 billion investment program designed to rebuild domestic production capabilities and reduce Chinese supply chain dominance.

This investment represents a fundamental shift from traditional defense procurement toward direct government ownership of critical infrastructure. However, the timing raises questions about strategic coherence, as major funding commitments…