The U.S. rare earth sector is facing pressure from China’s new export restrictions, with MP Materials halting ore shipments to China due to rising tariffs. The company plans to boost domestic processing at its Mountain Pass facility in California. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin are closely monitoring supply chain impacts to safeguard critical material access. Other firms, including NioCorp and US Critical Minerals, are working to establish new domestic mines. However, these projects are still years from becoming operational. Original news
Category: USA
Starlink Dominates SATCOM Market as Space Force Expands PLEO Program
SpaceX’s Starlink leads the SATCOM sector, securing most task orders under the Space Force’s growing PLEO Satellite-Based Services program. The program’s budget is expanding from $900 million to $13 billion, sparking concerns over limited competition. Rivals like Amazon and Telesat are developing alternatives, with Telesat promoting its Lightspeed constellation for defense use. Officials stress the importance of a diversified industrial base to reduce dependency on one provider. The rapid expansion highlights Starlink’s critical role in modern military communications. Original news
Maxar Unveils GPS-Free Navigation Tech for Aircraft
Maxar has introduced “Raptor,” a visual navigation system designed to guide aircraft without relying on vulnerable GPS signals. The system compares live video with Maxar’s high-resolution terrain imagery for precise positioning. Chief product officer Peter Wilczynski emphasized Raptor’s importance for secure, accurate navigation. It has undergone testing on both unmanned drones and piloted Cessna turboprops. Maxar plans to launch the product for military and commercial use by the end of 2025. Original news
European Defense Firms Ditch U.S. Components to Bypass Export Controls
European defense manufacturers like MBDA and Supacat are reducing reliance on U.S. parts to sidestep restrictive ITAR regulations. MBDA CEO Éric Béranger confirmed efforts to create “desensitised” weapons free of American components. The move reflects growing unease over U.S. reliability as a defense partner, especially amid uncertainty linked to Donald Trump’s policies. Supacat’s Nick Ames highlighted a trend toward favoring European-made systems. This shift marks a strategic push for greater autonomy in Europe’s defense industry. Original news
China Restricts Rare Earth Exports in Response to U.S. Tariffs
China has enacted new export controls on seven rare earth minerals starting April 4, in retaliation for U.S. tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump. The move targets critical materials essential to advanced American technologies, including F-35 jets and electric vehicles. Experts say China is leveraging its dominance in rare earths to exert geopolitical pressure. In response, U.S. firms like USA Rare Earth and Phoenix Tailings are working to build domestic alternatives. The Department of Defense has already invested over $439 million since 2020 to secure the U.S. supply chain. Original news
Finland Boosts Defense Ties with U.S. at Sea-Air-Space 2025
Finland’s trade agency, Business Finland, made its debut at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space 2025 conference with a 13-company delegation. Commercial counsellor Ulla Lainio highlighted closer cooperation between Finnish and U.S. firms following Finland’s NATO accession. She noted that alliance status enables deeper information sharing. Lainio also emphasized the significance of Finland’s F-35 order in reinforcing bilateral defense ties. The move signals Helsinki’s growing integration into Western defense networks. Original news
Trump-Era Policies Spur Growth in Defense Tech Startups, Especially in New England
The Trump administration’s defense posture is fueling momentum for startups focused on military robotics and drone technologies. Massachusetts-based Raytheon continues to anchor the local defense ecosystem with longstanding MIT ties. National security VC firm J2 Ventures raised $150 million to back emerging tech firms like Code Metal. In 2023, defense and aerospace startups attracted $6.6 billion in funding, with New England companies receiving $383 million. The trend signals robust investor interest in next-generation military technologies. Original news
Anduril Takes Over U.S. Army’s IVAS Project From Microsoft, Focus Shifts to Software
Anduril has assumed control of the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program from Microsoft, following official contract novation approval on April 10. The project, initially built on Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 platform, will now see a shift in focus toward software development for existing hardware. Anduril’s engineering lead Tom Keane confirmed the company’s role in enhancing functionality rather than creating new devices. Microsoft acknowledged the transfer, while the Army has yet to comment publicly. The handover marks a new phase in efforts to modernize soldier battlefield technology. Original news
Trump-Era Policies Prompt F-35 Doubts in Canada, Portugal Amid Continued Global Support
Canada and Portugal are rethinking their participation in the F-35 program due to the Trump administration’s approach to European defense. Meanwhile, key allies like the UK, Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands reaffirm their commitment to the fifth-generation fighter. Lockheed Martin emphasized that F-35 sales remain government-to-government transactions. Experts note that many countries are too invested to back out of the program at this stage. Although alternatives may emerge, the F-35 remains the sole fifth-gen option for U.S. allies. Original news
China’s Rare Earth Export Curbs Signal Strategic Pressure on U.S. Defense
China’s new restrictions on rare earth exports have raised alarms for U.S. national security and defense industries. The policy mandates special licenses for six key heavy rare earth metals, highlighting America’s dependency on Chinese supplies. Experts warn this move could escalate, affecting the Pentagon’s supply chains. While U.S. defense firms have temporary stockpiles, officials admit reserves are insufficient for long-term needs. The shift underscores vulnerabilities in American weapons manufacturing reliance on foreign materials. Original news
Sweden Upgrades Visby Corvettes With New CAMM Missile Launch System
Sweden will enhance the air defense of its Visby class corvettes with Lockheed Martin’s three-cell Extensible Launching System (ExLS) for firing CAMM missiles. The upgrade was announced at the Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition by Lockheed’s launching systems director. The ExLS, developed with MBDA, also allows integration of other munitions and decoys for expanded versatility. Installation of CAMM and the Sea Ceptor system on the first corvette is set to start this year. Completion of the integration process is expected within 12 months. Original news
Norway Completes F-35A Fleet Acquisition Amid Expanded Maintenance Capabilities
Norway has finalized its purchase of 52 F-35A fighter jets, Lockheed Martin announced. The milestone comes as a new F-35 maintenance center opens in Rygge, boosting Norway’s independent service capacity. Lockheed Martin reassured partners about the absence of a remote “kill-switch,” citing the secure U.S.-controlled F-35 ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Cameri depot in Italy remains pivotal for European F-35 logistics. The developments strengthen NATO’s air capabilities and defense autonomy in the region. Original news
Ukraine Rejects Russian Demands on Military Size in Ceasefire Talks
Ukraine has declared that its military size and readiness are non-negotiable in any ceasefire agreement with Russia. The statement comes in response to Russian President Putin’s demands for limiting Ukraine’s army and abandoning NATO ambitions. Moscow also insists on full control over four Ukrainian regions it claims. Ukrainian official Pavlo Palisa firmly rejected these terms, stating that no external power, especially Russia, will dictate Ukraine’s defense structure. The stance underscores Kyiv’s commitment to sovereignty amid ongoing negotiations. Original news
Philippines Warns U.S. Tariffs Could Undermine $5.58 Billion F-16 Deal
The Philippine ambassador to Washington has cautioned that new U.S. tariffs could jeopardize Manila’s ability to purchase American weapons systems, including a $5.58 billion deal for F-16 fighter jets. The concern follows President Trump’s implementation of nearly 20 percent tariffs on Philippine exports. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez emphasized that the economic strain from tariffs could impact defense acquisitions from the U.S. The F-16 purchase, long in discussion, is seen as a key element of the Philippines’ military modernization. The warning highlights tensions between trade policy and defense cooperation among allies. Original news
France Develops Domestic Rocket Artillery System to Rival HIMARS
France plans to test its new indigenous rocket artillery system by mid-2026 as an alternative to the U.S.-made HIMARS. The project, led by the French Directorate General for Armament, involves defense firms Safran, MBDA, Thales, and ArianeGroup. The system is expected to have a 150-kilometer range and replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire by 2027. France has earmarked €600 million for development and aims to acquire at least 13 units by 2030. The move positions France in competition with other European rocket systems, including the U.S.-German GMARS project. Original news