The hidden risk in U.S. defense isn’t the enemy—It’s the supply chain. SMX can help

Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

The U.S. military’s recent airstrikes served as a compelling demonstration of American air power. But behind the headlines, a more profound and troubling truth emerged—one with serious implications for global defense industries: a nation’s military strength is only as resilient as the transparency, traceability, accountability, and verifiability of its supply chain.

As Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels warned in a FOX Business interview, disruptions in the Middle East—or anywhere—can ripple through critical supply networks. While his focus was on the United States, the message applies globally. When supply chains run through a technology and cybersecurity hub such as Israel, highlighted in his analysis, even localized conflict can jeopardize readiness across borders that are already fragmented and porous.

And in a big way. Exiger’s data revealed that more than 28,000 U.S. companies depend directly on Israel-born technology, with an additional 13.7 million companies indirectly affected. Had the conflict escalated into a broader confrontation, Daniels noted, the U.S. could have been forced to rapidly reconfigure critical supply chains—a tall order when materials like rare earth magnets used in B-2 bombers are already challenging to source, harder to audit, and deeply embedded in multi-tiered supplier networks.

Difficult—but no longer impossible. In fact, enabling that level of visibility is precisely what SMX (NASDAQ: SMX)technology was designed to do. Here’s the better news. Its molecular-level solution may sound futuristic, but it’s already commercially validated, available today, and actively redefining what supply chain integrity—and, more importantly, verified accountability—look like in a modern, interconnected world.

Turning Visibility Into a Strategic Asset

SMX technology isn’t about simply tracking materials. It’s about transforming them into verifiable assets. Unlike legacy systems reliant on barcodes or vendor paperwork, SMX embeds tamper-proof molecular markers directly into raw materials, components, and finished goods—then links each to a blockchain-based digital twin. From the moment a magnet, in this example, is refined to its final integration into a missile system, every step of its journey—its transformation history, point of origin, and compliance status—is permanently traceable and secure.

This isn’t theoretical. SMX’s platform is already field-proven at industrial scale across sectors like rubber, plastics, and consumer goods. One of its most advanced applications is the Plastic Cycle Token (PCT)—a blockchain-based system that tracks, verifies, and incentivizes the reuse and recycling of plastic throughout its lifecycle. The same infrastructure powering PCT—ensuring integrity, transparency, and value across global supply chains—can be directly applied to rare earths, defense alloys, and other sensitive components.

That’s foundational to national resilience. Especially in a world where defense and dual-use industries face growing geopolitical risk, making SMX’s ability to digitize, monitor, and secure physical assets at the molecular level even more globally relevant. While Daniels addressed U.S. policymakers, the challenge is universal. Every nation with strategic infrastructure—whether in defense, energy, or advanced manufacturing—is exposed to hidden supply-chain dependencies that can collapse under stress—or manipulation.

True future-proof readiness begins with knowing what’s in the chain, where it came from, and whether it meets the highest possible standard—regardless of what flag is painted on the aircraft.

SMX Cures the Blind Spots

That level of insight is essential. Complex systems are sourced globally, often crossing multiple jurisdictions and regulatory frameworks. Whether it’s stealth aircraft, power grids, or high-end manufacturing, readiness doesn’t rest on final assembly—it depends on every subcomponent and raw input along the way.

In other words, there’s no room for blind spots. If any exist, SMX cures them with a secure, auditable chain of custody that extends from supplier to integrator—even across borders where accountability can otherwise break down.

And SMX goes further. Its technology is more than a tracking tool—it’s an active coordination layer, linking suppliers, compliance teams, and logistics units in real time. If a part needs to be rerouted, substituted, or revalidated midstream, SMX ensures every stakeholder has instant access to the same tamper-proof data.

This is precisely the kind of supply chain agility Daniels says is needed—not just in theory, but in real-world defense readiness. And not just for America—for any country serious about safeguarding its resources.

A New Standard for Defense-Grade Materials

There is some positives on the horizon. The upcoming U.S. NDAA for FY2026 is expected to emphasize supply chain visibility. But legislation alone isn’t enough. What’s needed is infrastructure—real, scalable systems that can verify, trace, and secure every material at its origin. That’s exactly what SMX delivers: a standards-based platform that embeds molecular-level markers into physical goods and connects them to blockchain-backed digital twins for continuous, tamper-proof authentication.

This isn’t paper compliance or vendor self-reporting. SMX creates a permanent, unforgeable ID within the material itself—auditable across its full lifecycle, from rare earth refiners to defense system integrators. In doing so, SMX transforms supply chains susceptible to blind spots into defensible assets, empowering nations to protect what matters most—with confidence, speed, and reliability.

SMX may not be a traditional defense contractor, but its role is no less strategic at a time when supply chains are now the front lines of sovereignty and security. SMX provides the power to see—and trust—every link through that process at the molecular level. Make no mistake, when the stakes are measured in national defense and human lives, there is no room for uncertainty or compromise. There’s only the need for solutions that deliver verifiable, accountable control.

That’s precisely what SMX technology is built to do. And it’s available now. 

Mark Anthony is a former Silicon Valley Executive with Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR). Mark is now the host of the nationally syndicated radio called The Patriot and The Preacher Show. Find out more at patriotandpreachershow.com.

Mark Anthony is a former Silicon Valley Executive with Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR). Mark is now the host of the nationally syndicated radio called The Patriot and The Preacher Show. Find out more at patriotandpreachershow.com.

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