This Screw Is Needed for Missiles and Planes. Buying One Can Take Years

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-26T09:14:47.358Z • Permanent link

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has announced a significant expansion of the Pentagon's munitions production, aiming to boost the country's military capabilities amid rising tensions with China and Russia. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the US defense industry, with a focus on developing new technologies and supply chains. However, the push for increased production has revealed a critical bottleneck in the supply chain: a specialized screw used in the manufacture of missiles and aircraft.

The screw, known as the "ring gear lock washer," is a tiny component with a diameter of just 0.015 inches. Despite its small size, it plays a crucial role in the functioning of advanced missile and aircraft systems. The screw is used to secure a critical component in the propulsion system of the missile, ensuring that the system operates within precise parameters. However, the production of this screw is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise, making it difficult to scale up production.

The shortage of ring gear lock washers has been identified as a major constraint on the production of advanced military systems. According to a report by the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency, the supply chain for this component is "vulnerable" and "dependent on a limited number of suppliers." The shortage has led to concerns that the US military may be unable to meet its production targets, potentially compromising national security.

The shortage of ring gear lock washers has significant implications for the US defense industry, with potential consequences for companies that rely on this component in their production processes. Companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Raytheon Technologies are among those that use this screw in their products, and any disruption to the supply chain could have significant financial and operational implications. Research communities and academia are also affected, as the development of new technologies and supply chains relies on the availability of this critical component.

The shortage also has broader implications for the global economy, as the US defense industry is a significant contributor to the country's GDP. The production of advanced military systems requires significant investment in research and development, with companies such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing spending billions of dollars on new technologies and supply chains. Any disruption to these efforts could have significant consequences for the global economy, potentially leading to job losses and economic instability.

The shortage of ring gear lock washers is part of a larger pattern of supply chain disruptions in the defense industry. In recent years, the US military has faced a series of supply chain disruptions, including shortages of critical components such as semiconductors and rare earth minerals. These disruptions have been caused by a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, trade tensions with China, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.