NATO Identifies 12 Critical Raw Materials for Defence Industry

On December 11, NATO released a list of 12 defence-critical raw materials deemed essential for the Allied defence industry. These materials play a crucial role in the production of advanced defence systems and equipment, underpinning NATO’s technological edge and operational readiness.

The materials identified include aluminum, graphite, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, among others. Each material has specific applications critical to modern defence capabilities. For instance:

Aluminium is used in lightweight military aircraft and missiles, improving agility and performance.
Graphite is integral to main battle tanks, corvettes, and submarines, enhancing structural integrity and stealth capabilities.
Cobalt is essential for superalloys in jet engines, missiles, and submarines, offering resistance to extreme temperatures and stress.
The secure availability of these materials is pivotal to ensuring uninterrupted production of defence equipment. Any disruptions in their supply could compromise NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities. This initiative is a key component of a broader roadmap, endorsed by NATO Defence Ministers in June 2024, to protect Allied supply chains from vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.

The list, developed with input from the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) using a defence-capability-focused methodology, signals NATO’s commitment to supporting member states in securing these vital resources. Publicizing this list underscores NATO’s strategic intent to strengthen supply chains and maintain Allied security.

List of NATO Defence-Critical Raw Materials:

Aluminium
Beryllium
Cobalt
Gallium
Germanium
Graphite
Lithium
Manganese
Platinum
Rare Earth Elements
Titanium
Tungsten