A rare-earth factory, owned by Solvay, in La Rochelle, France.PHOTO: DMITRY KOSTYUKOV/NYTIMES

How the US defence industry dodged a rare-earth shortage after China’s curbs

· The Straits Times

WASHINGTON - Tomahawk missiles are coveted by militaries around the world because they can hit a target 1,000 miles (1,609km) away.

That accuracy is possible because their fins use powerful magnets made of samarium – a rare-earth metal that can tolerate high heat.