Office of Strategic Capital Signs $400 Million Conditional Loan Commitment With Sunrise Energy Metals Limited to Expand Scandium Mining Operations

Aug. 7, 2026 |

The Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced today a $400 million conditional loan commitment to Sunrise Energy Metals Limited (Sunrise) to build out the company's scandium operations. 

Sunrise is an Australian publicly listed company (ASX: SRL) that owns the Syerston Scandium Project in New South Wales, Australia. Scandium is a metal that is found throughout the Earth's crust in low concentrations. Currently, it is harvested through byproducts of other industrial or resource extraction processes. No primary mine-source scandium supply exists globally, and foreign competitors dominate the supply side, accounting for approximately 80% of global mining production and nearly 100% of scandium processing. 

With these funds, alongside private capital, Sunrise will develop a full scandium value chain, beginning with its primary mining operations at its Syerston project, which boasts a high-grade scandium deposit. Additionally, Sunrise will build metallization and additive layer manufacturing capabilities to ensure Western alignment from mine to finished product. This financing will provide the Department with a right of first offer on Sunrise's output, and the scandium produced by Sunrise would support the demand of U.S. companies, including defense industrial base companies.

"Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, securing our critical minerals supply chain is a top national security priority. The contemplated Sunrise transaction marks a significant step in establishing supply chain resiliency for an increasingly critical mineral. This nearly $1 billion deal, bringing together public and private capital, would help address foreign dependencies in scandium supply and facilitate scandium's use in critical defense and commercial applications," said David A. Lorch, Director of the Office of Strategic Capital and Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg.

With this conditional loan commitment to Sunrise, OSC directly advances President Trump's mandate to secure a resilient, domestic supply chain for rare earths. The company's production will directly support warfighting capabilities in aerospace and defense as well as strategically important economic sectors such as data centers, semiconductors, and the automotive sector.

"This commitment is an example of the strategic financing OSC can provide," said Asad Akram, Managing Director and Co-Head of Critical Minerals at OSC. "Sunrise's scandium deposit will support strategic sectors in both national and economic security, with the capability to secure and expand both compute capacity and enhanced capabilities of modern fighter aircraft." 
 
"This conditional loan commitment is a decisive step toward creating a U.S.-aligned scandium value chain, ensuring our warfighters and manufacturers no longer depend on adversaries. We are attracting meaningful private capital investment into the front lines of our industrial base," said Peter B. Zuckerman, Senior Managing Director at OSC. "The Sunrise commitment is just the first step in our effort to strengthen the scandium supply chain as OSC is conducting active due diligence on additional opportunities."

"By backing Sunrise, we would be engineering a complete, allied mine-to-metal supply chain," said John Gallagher, Co-Head of Critical Minerals at OSC. "Providing the capital to extract scandium from a primary mine and connecting it directly to onshore U.S. metallization ensures that the materials required for the future success of commercial and defense industries remain under our sovereign control."

"Secretary Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Feinberg are mobilizing the Department of War's resources to secure our critical mineral supply chain," said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. "Congress provided the necessary resources, and OSC is aggressively executing that mandate to deliver for the American warfighter."

The conditional loan commitment between OSC and Sunrise specifies customary additional steps the company must take to proceed toward financial close, including satisfying financial, legal, technical, and other requirements. 

In FY 2026, OSC has committed over $8.4 billion in debt financing and has successfully mobilized over $17.8 billion in total capital from the public and private sectors to support the American industrial base.

Office of Strategic Capital Signs $150 Million Conditional Loan Commitment With Niron Magnetics, Inc. to Scale Domestic Rare Earth-Free Magnet Production

Aug. 7, 2026 |

The Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) announced today a $150 million conditional loan commitment to Niron Magnetics, Inc. (Niron) to build out the company's rare earth-free magnet production capabilities. 

Founded in 2014, Niron is a private U.S. corporation headquartered in Minnesota. The company seeks to eliminate dependence on rare earth magnets sourced from foreign jurisdictions.  Niron's magnets are revolutionary because  they do not use rare earths, yet they provide similar, and in some cases superior, performance and physical properties compared to rare earth magnets.

Niron develops and manufactures 100% domestic, rare earth-free permanent magnets, eliminating reliance on foreign-dominated supply chains. Built on over a decade of research and development, Niron's magnets offer a path to ending dependency on foreign-produced rare earth magnets. Niron circumvents the concentrated and vulnerable rare earth supply chain by synthesizing magnets from domestically abundant commodity inputs, specifically iron and nitrogen.

Niron recently completed a two-year pilot project with the Department of Energy's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, which facilitated the manufacture of 1 to 2 tons per year of rare earth-free magnets. Niron is now seeking to produce its magnets at scale. Alongside private capital, OSC's proposed financing will support the construction of a $605 million manufacturing plant in Sartell, Minnesota, capable of producing up to 1,500 tons of rare earth-free magnets annually.

"OSC's commitment to Niron directly aligns with President Donald J. Trump's mandate for the Department of War to leverage advanced commercial technology to maintain military capabilities while rapidly onshoring critical supply chains," said David A. Lorch, Director of the Office of Strategic Capital and Senior Advisor to Deputy Secretary of War Steve Feinberg. "By supporting the establishment of a wholly domestic, rare earth-free permanent magnet manufacturing facility, this transaction mitigates a key supply chain vulnerability, bolsters U.S. industrial resilience against geopolitical disruptions, and ensures that next-generation technologies are powered by secure, domestically sourced components."

"With the conditional loan commitment to Niron, OSC is seeking to advance President Donald J. Trump's priority of securing a domestic supply chain for high-performance magnets, which are ubiquitous across commercial and defense applications," said Asad Akram, Managing Director and Co-Head of Critical Minerals at OSC.  
 
"High-performance magnets are integral to the U.S. economy and defense industrial base, and their importance is only going to grow on account of electrification, robotics, and defense modernization," said Peter B. Zuckerman, Senior Managing Director at OSC. 

"I applaud OSC for its continued focus on investments that deliver impact to the industrial base and shoring up supply chain vulnerabilities," said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. "Rare earth-free magnets will reduce dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains and help equip the warfighter with more capable systems that enhance battlefield lethality." 

The conditional loan commitment between OSC and Niron specifies customary additional steps the company must take to proceed toward financial close, including satisfying financial, legal, technical, and other requirements.

In FY 2026, OSC has committed over $8.4 billion in debt financing and has successfully mobilized over $17.8 billion in total capital from the public and private sectors to support the American industrial base.

Department of War Announces an $85.5 Million Agreement With Strategic Bauxite USA to Secure the Critical Refractory Grade Bauxite Supply Chain

Aug. 7, 2026 |

The Department of War's (DOW) Economic Defense Unit, in partnership with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy announced today an $85.5 million equity investment agreement with Strategic Bauxite USA, LLC (SBX) through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program. This strategic partnership will establish a secure, vertically-integrated U.S. supply chain for refractory-grade bauxite, a critical material for national defense and key industrial base sectors.

"Our defense readiness relies on secure, regional access to critical minerals," said the Honorable Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy. "This partnership with Strategic Bauxite through the equity funding and analysis provided by the IBAS program ensures that critical materials in the western hemisphere stay in supply chains that protect the United States and its allies." 

The Department's contribution of $85.5 million from IBAS is complemented by an additional $64.5 million co-investment from the private sector.  These funds will be used to acquire and expand the First Bauxite (FBX) mine in Guyana, develop new calcination facilities for primary processing, and contribute to a follow-on project to construct a brown-fused alumina (BFA) facility in the United States. 

This initiative addresses an over-dependence on imports for refractory-grade bauxite for the U.S. supply chain, with the vast majority sourced directly from China or Chinese-owned entities. Once fully operational, this project is expected to meet 100% of U.S. military demand for BFA and 100% of U.S. demand for refractory bauxite. IBAS equity and direct investments are strategically targeted at critical supply chain bottlenecks, particularly where private venture capital has historically been hesitant to invest due to long developmental timelines.

"The Department of War is no longer waiting for supply chain dependencies to be exploited," said George K. Kollitides II, Director of the Economic Defense Unit. "This agreement shows how EDU and the Department can partner with the commercial sector to rapidly turn opportunities into advantages for the warfighter."  

Refractory-grade bauxite is necessary for manufacturing high-temperature-resistant materials used to make critical components for our warfighters such as heat shields, thermal barriers, and turbine engines in guided missiles, rockets, military aircraft, and space systems. Beyond defense, this high-purity bauxite is a vital raw material for steel and aluminum production, energy infrastructure, and industrial furnaces, making it a cornerstone of a modern, industrial economy.

This agreement also serves as an example of how the Department is coordinating across the interagency to support national security requirements. As part of the broader effort, the Department of State provided critical funding to support infrastructure associated with the project, enabling the U.S. government to act quickly and reinforce the long-term viability of the supply chain.

Department of War Publishes Fifth Release of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Files on WAR.GOV/UFO

 

Aug. 7, 2026 |

Statement Attributable to Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell:

Today, the Department of War is publishing the fifth release of declassified and historical Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) files as part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE). The collection continues to be housed on WAR.GOV/UFO, and the Department will release additional files on a rolling basis.

The Department of War and our agency partners are actively working on the next release of UAP files. The fifth release of UAP files is available now on WAR.GOV/UFO.

Space Launch Delta 45 Partners With Florida National Guard to Strengthen Hazmat Response

Aug. 7, 2026 | By Gwendolyn Kurzen, Space Launch Delta 45 |

Space Launch Delta 45 Emergency Management personnel partnered with the Florida Army National Guard's 44th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team during a multiday training exercise at Patrick Space Force Base July 28, and at Kennedy Space Center July 30, both in Florida.  

This marks the second time Space Launch Delta 45 has hosted the 44th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team to strengthen emergency response capabilities through realistic training scenarios. 

The 44th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team is a specialized unit of Army and Air Force personnel that includes full-time Florida Army National Guard soldiers and four airmen. The team supports civil authorities during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive incidents that exceed the capabilities of local hazardous materials response agencies. The team's mission focuses on protecting public health and safety while supporting local, state and federal agencies during intentional or unintentional domestic emergencies. 

The 44th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team is organized into specialized sections that work together to support incident commanders during hazardous materials emergencies. A command element coordinates operations and provides on-scene leadership, while survey teams enter contaminated areas to collect samples, conduct testing and identify hazardous agents. Decontamination personnel establish entry and exit control points to process responders entering and leaving the hot zone safely. A dedicated medical team stands ready to treat personnel who become ill or are exposed.

The unit also operates a secure mobile command post equipped with encrypted communications and a mobile analytical laboratory capable of fully characterizing unknown chemical, biological or radiological hazards in the field. 

"Public safety is our No. 1 priority," said Army Lt. Col. David Deitz, 44th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team commander. "We are committed to answering every alert and showing up wherever necessary in order to support local and federal agencies in CBRNE matters." 

Joint training brought together Space Force and National Guard personnel to rehearse coordinated responses to a simulated chemical incident, allowing both organizations to improve communication and response procedures. During this exercise, participants established a decontamination corridor before survey teams entered the simulated hazardous area to identify chemical agents, collect samples and assess potential threats.

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For Space Launch Delta 45 Emergency Management personnel, the exercise provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and receive specialized hands-on training with the response team and gain valuable experience alongside experts who routinely support hazardous materials incidents across Florida. This partnership also introduces airmen and guardians to potential career opportunities with the civil support team following military service.

"Working with our local partners to facilitate this training helps them remain proficient in their field," said Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Ridgway, Space Launch Delta 45 Emergency Management Flight noncommissioned officer in charge. "This joint collaboration aids in improving both teams' procedures for more effective emergency response. Many of our 45th [Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management] personnel are exposed to this as a future career opportunity following their service."  

Training together in realistic scenarios will continue to strengthen their partnership, and ensure both organizations remain prepared to respond rapidly to CBRNE incidents in support of local communities, mission partners and the nation's busiest spaceport.

Department of War Enhances C-UAS Marketplace to Expand Access to Validated Technologies

Aug. 3, 2026 |

The Department of War, through Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), is enhancing its counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) marketplace to improve how military organizations, domestic law enforcement agencies, and international allies and partners identify, evaluate and acquire validated counter-drone technologies.

Developed in partnership with Kaizen Laboratories, the application helps users rapidly identify proven solutions, enabling clearer procurement pathways and faster fielding timelines.

These ongoing enhancements will make it easier for authorized users to search technologies by operational requirements, review validated performance data, and purchase C-UAS products through a streamlined process.

"JIATF-401 remains focused on delivering the right counter-UAS capabilities to the right users at the right time," said U.S. Army Maj. Mike Hapner, C-UAS marketplace lead for JIATF-401. "Our revolutionary marketplace, powered through our partnership with industry, creates a streamlined, trusted pathway for the Joint force, domestic law enforcement, and our international partners to rapidly discover and acquire validated technologies."

The C-UAS marketplace also supports the Secretary of the Army's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Fast Lane initiative by integrating with existing acquisition pathways to accelerate requirements development and reduce foreign military sales timelines. Through this process, industry partners submit their products for inclusion in the FMS Fast Lane. JIATF-401, in partnership with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports & Cooperation (DASA DE&C), then evaluates and pre-clears these products for Foreign Military Sales, ensuring the capabilities are seamlessly integrated across the joint force, partners, and Allies.

The marketplace is part of JIATF-401's broader effort to strengthen collaboration across government, industry, and Allied nations while expanding access to trusted C-UAS capabilities. By providing a common platform for validated capabilities, JIATF-401 is helping ensure users can make informed acquisition decisions and respond more quickly to an evolving drone threat.

"Drones are a defining threat of our time," said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. "The proliferation of small systems and small drones and the threat that they pose both to critical infrastructure and to defense critical assets requires us to move faster in this space. In order to address this threat, we are expanding the counter-UAS marketplace to allow us to share best practices and equipment globally."

The JIATF-401 C-UAS Marketplace can be accessed here: https://cuas.mil/

Department of War Signs Framework Agreements With Northrop Grumman to Ramp Production of PAC-3, THAAD Components

Aug. 3, 2026 |

The Department of War, in cooperation with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, today announced two framework agreements to expand production capacity of critical missile-interceptor components. These historic agreements are critical to ensuring long-term demand signals flow to key suppliers, allowing Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) production to triple and quadruple, respectively. This effort to stabilize supply chains for our most important interceptors advances President Trump's and Secretary Hegseth's joint vision to build the Arsenal of Freedom, accelerate delivery of critical capabilities, and reinforce the Nation's integrated air and missile defense.

"Building the Arsenal of Freedom requires robust, dynamic supply chains at every level of the industrial base," said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. "Framework agreements with munition components suppliers like Northrop Grumman are vital to accelerating the tripling of PAC-3 and quadrupling of THAAD interceptor production."

This initiative is a direct application of the Department's Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which prioritizes engaging directly with key suppliers at all levels of the industrial base. Rather than relying solely on prime contractors, the Department is establishing strategic agreements with critical suppliers. This approach ensures the entire supply chain has the stability and long-term demand signals necessary to invest in advanced tooling, facility modernization, and workforce development to scale production.

Under these landmark agreements, the Department of War is driving significant capacity increases across two critical defense programs. First, for the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), this framework agreement establishes a second source for Solid Rocket Motors (SRMs). By providing a steady demand signal for a second source, the Department of War is driving stability and competition into the supply chain, creating a more resilient industrial base. Additionally, the agreement ramps up production of ignition safety devices for PAC-3. Second, for THAAD Component Production, this framework agreement will quadruple the production of THAAD interceptor structural components. This includes critical parts such as mid-body shells, muzzle covers and rail car assemblies.

This initiative demonstrates the Department's revitalized Acquisition Transformation Strategy, executed in collaboration with the Munitions Acceleration Council, the Economic Defense Unit, the Missile Defense Agency, and the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment.