Lockheed Martin is negotiating with U.S.-linked companies to secure critical minerals. The initiative supports the Trump administration's push to reduce supply chain reliance on China.
The discussions focus on domestic sources for scandium and germanium. These materials are essential for advanced military equipment, including aircraft components and infrared sensors.
Lockheed Martin signed a preliminary, non-binding agreement with NioCorp Developments for scandium. The deal secures 15 metric tons of the mineral annually. This supply will come from a Nebraska mine scheduled to open by 2028.
The defense contractor is also negotiating with Teck Resources and 5N Plus for germanium supplies.