The Trump administration has announced that it will invest three billion dollars in critical mineral and battery projects; an effort that is partly aimed at helping to rebuild the United States’ arms stockpiles after the Iran war.

Reuters says that during the five-month war with Iran, American forces used large numbers of precise guided missiles and air defense interceptors. Defense officials and U.S. lawmakers have warned that, given production constraints, replenishing some of these stockpiles may take years.

Minerals such as rare earth elements, tungsten, germanium, and scandium are used in the construction of precision missiles, fighter jets, armored vehicles, and advanced military systems.

📷US Central Command