BAE-Intel agreement aims to accelerate application of semiconductor technology
Can a new agreement with Intel enable BAE Systems to close a development gap between COTS semiconductors and their military applications? (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems wants to close the development lag in customising COTS advanced electronics for defence programmes.
BAE Systems revealed on 4 August that it intends to leverage a new strategic agreement with Intel to develop and field advanced electronics for defence applications.
The deal gives early access to select Intel technologies for the FAST Labs R&D organisation within BAE Systems.
While COTS semiconductor technology has increasingly been incorporated into US defence applications, BAE Systems noted that ‘military-grade technology requires domestically developed custom capabilities that go beyond commercially available technology’.
It added: ‘To date, this development lag of customising commercial technology has resulted in significant time gaps between chip-level technology and defence applications being fielded.’
Closing this development gap, ‘potentially by years in some cases’, would create advantages for US programmes, said FAST Labs director Chris Rappa.
BAE Systems and Intel already cooperate on Field Programmable Gate Array technology and on the SHIP-Digital programme. The latter extends the Intel wideband RF signal processing platform to SWaP-constrained defence applications.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome]()
Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome
The new multi-layered defence system will harness AI to neutralise airborne threats and protect Europe from Russian aggression.
-
![What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?]()
What will next-gen counter-UAS capabilities for the US look like?
Future US counter-uncrewed aerial system solutions are likely to require a flexible, multi-layered approach to tackle a broad spectrum of new threats as they emerge.
-
![Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar]()
Elbit Systems awarded $2.3 billion contract as results soar
The company’s order backlog as of 30 September totalled $25.2 billion and more than a third of this is scheduled to be fulfilled before the end of 2026.
-
![US military foresees growing use of 3D printing]()
US military foresees growing use of 3D printing
Advanced manufacturing has evolved to meet military requirements and now supports multiple US critical assets, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, F-18, F-22, F-35, Bradley, HMMWV and Patriot.
