Fastmarkets’ Fast Forward podcast · 2026-04-14 · 16 min
In this short episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter speaks with Jon Stibbs, managing editor for technology and energy metals at Fastmarkets, to unpack why a handful of highly specialised materials are becoming increasingly critical to modern defense capability. From jet engines and secure communications to night‑vision systems and ammunition, the discussion explores how these inputs enable advanced military technologies, and why their concentrated, geopolitically sensitive supply chains are raising concerns for Western defense planning. With export controls, policy intervention and long development timelines shaping availability, the conversation examines how governments and industry are responding to growing supply‑chain risk. Tune in for a deep dive into defense‑critical materials, geopolitical leverage and the industrial vulnerabilities emerging at the heart of global security. Fastmarkets is your source of critical minerals and technology metals market analysis, forecasting and price data, keeping you ahead of the competition. To discover more about our products visit This episode was recorded in the second week of April 2026.
