Is China’s rare earths policy frustrating US upgrades to the F-35 stealth jet?

Beijing retains leverage as Washington’s modernisation would cover weapons and electronic warfare systems, communications equipment and more

However, the programme has had significant delays and cost overruns. Originally, all 66 capabilities under Block 4 were scheduled to be fully deployed by 2026. But as of May last year, the expected completion date had been pushed back to 2029.

Your personal data will be processed and information from your device (cookies, unique identifiers, and other device data) may be stored by, accessed by and shared with 89 TCF vendor(s) and 20 ad partner(s), or used specifically by this site or app.

Some vendors may process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interest, which you can object to by managing your options below. Look for a link at the bottom of this page or in the site menu to manage or withdraw consent in privacy and cookie settings.

Consent

Is China’s rare earths policy frustrating US upgrades to the F-35 stealth jet?

Related reading

Is China hiding its rare earth production plans? US tensions fuel speculation

Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

For the US, it’s Mountain Pass – or fail – versus China’s rare earth supremacy

How China used rare earths to turn on the US chip tap again

Could next-gen fighter jets and ‘loyal wingmen’ help US offset China’s numbers?

US official declares F-47 sixth-gen fighter is in production for 2028 take-off