Pentagon says Defense Logistics Agency directed $2 billion to stockpile critical materials

The United States Defense Logistics Agency committed $2 billion in fiscal 2026 to acquire strategic and critical materials for the National Defense Stockpile. The reserve is intended to cover shortages when commercial suppliers cannot meet military and essential civilian demand during a national emergency, with materials such as high-purity aluminium and vanadium pentoxide supporting aerospace, shipbuilding and communications. The agency directed most of its critical mineral contracts toward supporting domestic production through more predictable demand. It also identified domestic recovery and recycling as possible sources where they are technically and economically viable.