Empowering National Security: The Role of Compound Semiconductors in Defence Technology

The Importance of Compound Semiconductors in UK Defence

Dr. Wyn Metedith, chair of CSconnected, delves into the UK government’s vision for compound semiconductors and its impact on achieving a sovereign defence capability.

In a bold move in September 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) acquired a semiconductor foundry in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to safeguard a critical sovereign supply chain from collapsing.

The facility, Octric Semiconductors UK, was the sole site in the UK capable of producing gallium arsenide chips essential for military platforms like fighter jet avionics. The government’s intervention stemmed from the recognition of the national security risks associated with losing such a crucial asset.

This strategic decision highlighted the vulnerability of the UK’s defence industrial base to the potential loss of critical semiconductor capabilities.

Goals Outlined in the Defence Industrial Strategy

The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) aims to position the UK as a leading tech-enabled defence power by 2035, focusing on constant innovation to enhance deterrence and military capabilities.

As global tensions escalate, the urgency of this vision becomes apparent. The strategy emphasizes the role of defence in driving economic growth and identifies frontier technologies, including semiconductors, as key areas for development. The commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 reflects the ambition to strengthen both military and economic resilience.

The DIS recognizes compound semiconductors as essential enabling technologies across various defence systems, emphasizing their significance in modern defence technology. Materials like gallium nitride (GaN), gallium arsenide (GaAs), and indium phosphide (InP) play critical roles in radar systems, avionics, missile guidance, and secure data transmission, highlighting their indispensable nature in defense applications.

The strategy prioritizes dual-use technology to drive military advantage and economic growth, with compound semiconductors emerging as pivotal components with both commercial and defense applications. This alignment between defense and economic objectives underscores the importance of these technologies in shaping the future of the UK’s defence landscape.

Enhancing Sovereign Resilience through Collaboration

The South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster stands out as a hub of research, innovation, and manufacturing capabilities in compound semiconductors. With a focus on advancing GaN-based IC technology and other cutting-edge semiconductor solutions, institutions like Cardiff University and Swansea University, along with industry players like IQE, are driving the development of critical defense components.

This collaborative ecosystem supports a fully integrated compound semiconductor supply chain, positioning South Wales as a key player in defense technology development. The region’s expertise in compound semiconductors offers a strategic advantage in meeting defense requirements and fostering economic growth.

The Wales Defence Growth Deal, backed by significant investments and commitments to bolster Wales’ position in autonomous defense technology, further highlights the region’s potential as a leading hub for defense innovation. The alignment between regional capabilities and national defense objectives sets the stage for a transformative partnership that can drive the UK’s sovereign resilience.

Forging a Path to Sovereign Capability

The compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales represents a prime opportunity for the UK to establish world-leading capabilities in defense technology, clean energy, AI infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. With key initiatives like the Wales Defence and Security Cluster and the Defence Supply Chain Capability Programme in place, the region is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s defense landscape.

As the UK navigates the global semiconductor race, decisive government investments in technology alignment, procurement access, and supply chain integration are crucial. The existing assets and capabilities in South Wales present a ready-made solution to advancing the most ambitious objectives outlined in the Defence Industrial Strategy.

Embracing the potential of the compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales is not just a strategic imperative but a pathway to securing the UK’s defense capabilities for years to come.