Latest DoD contract ensures continued access to vital semiconductors
The DoD is eager to enhance R&D and industrial capacity to produce semiconductors. (Photo: Boston University)
DoD takes further steps to sustain US microelectronics manufacturing capabilities.
The DoD has awarded a $117 million contract under the Defense Production Act to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries (GF), as the US seeks to ensure security of supply for critical microelectronic components.
‘This agreement will ensure access to 45nm SOI semiconductors critical to [defence] strategic systems,’ the DoD noted in a 2 May announcement.
GF is a long-standing provider of silicon-based semiconductors for the DoD.
Under the latest deal, the company will transfer its 45nm SOI semiconductor manufacturing process to a new facility.
‘The effort is a follow-on from an $8 million award issued last year through which GF conducted initial engineering baseline activities for the transfer,’ the DoD added.
President Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14017 in February 2021 to shore up US supply chains for defence- and security-critical materials.
The FY2022 DoD budget included $2.3 billion to build up production of military-specific semiconductors and research the next generation of microchips.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?]()
Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
