Diminishing manufacturing sources and material sources impacting the Microwave Tube industry

Over the years, issues with the supply of Beryllium, Beryllium Oxide, Thoriated-Tungsten wire, Rare-earth metals for magnets (Samarium-Cobalt), Tungsten, and recently Tungsten-Rhenium wire have put the supply of Microwave Tubes at risk. These Diminishing Manufacturing Source and Material Source (DMSMS) issues continue to be addressed by the Microwave Tube industry and with the help of US government programs like the Defense Production Act (Title III), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR/STTR), ManTech, Defense Logistics Agency programs (S&T, Industrial Base Innovation Funding, Warstopper, Working-Capital-Fund, and Strategic Materials) and Department of Defense (DoD) program investments.