# AIA Warns of Critical Minerals Readiness Gap

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) warns that aerospace and defense supply chains may not be ready for the **January 2027 DFARS deadline** governing critical minerals. Domestic processing and magnet capacity is projected to come online in 2028 or later, and defense qualification could take until 2029–2030. Although companies are mapping supply chains and pursuing domestic and allied sources, limited compliant supply and long qualification timelines could raise costs, delay production, and disrupt supply. Conditional waivers under Executive Order 14415 may extend transition time but do not address the underlying capacity shortfall.

- Contractors should trace mineral provenance through lower supply-chain tiers and assess supplier qualification status and financing plans.
- Companies should evaluate whether conditional waivers under Executive Order 14415 apply to their circumstances; the report cautions that waivers do not resolve long-term sourcing constraints.
- Procurement and supply-chain teams should assess exposure to potential production delays, higher costs, and supply disruptions as implementation deadlines approach.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 08, 2026

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (prime contractor)

### Sources
- [DFARS 2027 Deadline Critical Minerals Readiness Gap](https://rareearthexchanges.com/news/dfars-2027-critical-minerals-readiness) - Rare Earth Exchanges
- [New AIA Report Highlights Industry Progress in Strengthening Critical Minerals Supply Chains](https://www.aia-aerospace.org/news/new-aia-report-highlights-industry-progress-in-strengthening-critical-minerals-supply-chains) - Aerospace Industries Association