The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) recently released two report issuing recommendations to strengthen the aerospace and defense global supply chain and secure U.S. access to critical minerals.
“U.S. global leadership in aerospace and defense hinges on a secure and resilient supply chain — particularly for the critical minerals used in the production of cutting-edge aircraft technology,” AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning said. “The aerospace and defense industry’s unique landscape and diverse needs must be prioritized as the country works to strengthen our global supply chains and securing access to key critical minerals. A diverse supply chain is vital to maintaining our competitive advantage and combating growing global threats.”
The organization also identified at least 12 critical minerals that are strategically significant to the aerospace and defense industry. The capacity to produce the minerals in the United States is limited, and more than 50 percent of all minerals but two must be imported. In addition, it can take companies up to a decade to certify new suppliers.
Recommendations include addressing the regulatory and compliance demands for qualifying new suppliers and bringing the National Defense Stockpile in line with the $1 billion the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act authorized.