Vulcan Elements supplies rare-earth magnets for US Army drones
by@axios
Summary
Vulcan Elements has been selected to supply rare-earth magnets for the U.S. Army's SkyFoundry initiative, aimed at bolstering domestic production of small drones. CEO John Maslin emphasized that the company’s selection reflects its ability to operate independently from the strains caused by China's rare-earth policies, which have complicated global supply chains and heightened tensions with Washington. The neodymium iron boron magnets produced by Vulcan will support brushless direct-current motors critical to drone technology, as the Army closely monitors the growing use of unmanned systems on modern battlefields in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Analysis
John Maslin: John Maslin is the CEO of Vulcan Elements. He has emphasized the national security importance of domestic rare earth magnet production amid global supply chain strains and the role of drones in future warfare, delivery, and agriculture. Maslin also addressed congressional inquiries regarding the company's investors and Pentagon loan processes. Vulcan Elements: Vulcan Elements is a startup specializing in advanced rare earth element separation, metallization, and magnet manufacturing. It was selected to supply neodymium iron boron magnets for the U.S. Army's SkyFoundry initiative focused on domestic small drone production. CEO John Maslin stated the company won the contract because it is decoupled from Chinese supply chains. National Security: Supply-chain surety for rare earth magnets is viewed as a national-security imperative due to strains from China's rare-earth policies and tensions with Beijing. Defense Applications: The U.S. Army is monitoring the spread of unmanned battlefield technologies in regions including Eastern Europe and the Middle East to inform domestic drone manufacturing efforts.
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macropolitics