美国军工被中国铝厂“断粮”？F35雷达成本够造700架战机

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of China's export controls on gallium and germanium on the global supply chain, particularly affecting the U.S. military-industrial complex and the F-35 fighter jet program [1][6][14]. Group 1: Export Controls and Supply Chain Impact - China's Ministry of Commerce announced export controls on critical metals like gallium and germanium starting August 1, 2023, in response to escalating U.S. restrictions on Chinese technology exports [1]. - The global gallium supply chain faced immediate disruption due to China's export restrictions, leading to a significant drop in F-35 deliveries from a planned 150 units to less than 100 by the end of 2023 [3][6]. - The price of gallium surged from $350 per kilogram to $725, with projections to exceed $595 by September 2025, directly impacting U.S. military production [6][13]. Group 2: U.S. Production Challenges - The U.S. faces enormous economic burdens in attempting to establish domestic gallium production, with estimated costs for building equivalent aluminum facilities reaching $210 billion, excluding operational costs [4]. - The energy requirements for gallium extraction in the U.S. are substantial, with 1.36 billion kilowatt-hours needed per ton, and U.S. industrial electricity prices being three times higher than China's [4][8]. - The U.S. Department of Defense began inventorying gallium supplies in July 2023, recognizing the severe impact of gallium shortages on the production of critical weapons systems like the F-35 and Patriot missiles [4][12]. Group 3: Global Resource Dynamics - China dominates the gallium market, producing 98% of the global supply, and has a significant advantage due to its abundant aluminum ore reserves and low electricity costs [6][8][10]. - The U.S. attempts to recycle gallium from old circuit boards have proven insufficient, with a recovery rate of only 20% [5]. - The competition for strategic resources like gallium and rare earth elements reflects a broader reconfiguration of global supply chains, exposing vulnerabilities in U.S. military reliance on Chinese resources [13][14].