Value Chains and Security of Supply for Environmental and Energy Transitions-Enabling Technologies in the Defence Sector

The increase in defence spending in the last years has prompted new equipment acquisitions of defence equipment that European countries have primary focused to replenish inventories. In view of the European Union’s 2030 Green Deal goals, what is the impact of the acquisitions on the environmental and energy transition in defence and what are the required critical raw materials (CRM)? This commentary investigates the geopolitical importance of critical raw materials (CRM) for defence and green transition and assesses how disruptions of the related supply chain can affect defence in Europe. After delineating the major European measures and activities implemented to ensure security of supply, the commentary concludes by arguing that steps taken for a wider use of alternative materials, sources, international partnerships and increased recycling of materials might not be enough to ensure both conventional defence production and environment and energy transition in defence.