• India and the US will collaborate to build India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant focused on defense and other national security applications.
• The fab will focus on advanced SiC and GaN chips for automotive, power, data center, RF, and industrial IoT sectors.
• GlobalFoundries will help the project with its semiconductor manufacturing expertise and recent GaN technology acquisition.
• The partnership bolsters India’s self-reliance and diversifies the global semiconductor supply chain.

The collaboration between India and the US to build a national security-focused semiconductor fabrication plant marks a pivotal moment in the global semiconductor landscape. This initiative aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in critical technologies while addressing broader global supply chain challenges.

This partnership is noteworthy as it signals India’s growing importance in the semiconductor ecosystem, not just as a market but as a manufacturing and technology hub.

A strategic tie-up for national security

At the heart of this effort is a collaboration involving India’s Semiconductor Mission, Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force. This fab underscores the strategic importance of combining India’s design expertise with US defense R&D and manufacturing capabilities.

The participation of 3rdiTech, known for its advanced imaging sensors, emphasizes the project’s dual focus on innovation and national security. Serving both the Indian defense sector and US Space Force, 3rdiTech’s role underscores the deep-rooted collaboration between the two nations, aiming to fortify security infrastructure through cutting-edge technology.

This fab will be critical in ensuring a robust, diversified semiconductor supply chain that addresses the needs of industries beyond national defense, including automotive, industrial IoT and communications.

SiC and GaN: Future of power and efficiency

The fab’s focus on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies is particularly timely. These wide-bandgap semiconductors are essential for high-efficiency, high-power applications across various sectors, including electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, RF, and 5G infrastructure.

The growing demand for these technologies reflects broader market trends. As industries like automotive and telecommunications pursue energy-efficient and high-performance systems, SiC and GaN are set to play a central role. This collaboration will accelerate the transfer of critical technology and help India emerge as a key player, offering global customers more choices and driving innovation.

Enhancing semiconductor self-reliance

A crucial outcome of this partnership is the strengthening of India’s semiconductor supply chain. This initiative brings India closer to its goal of semiconductor self-reliance, especially for mission-critical systems.

The establishment of the fab and its partnerships signal a strategic shift in how India positions itself in the global technology landscape. The country is transitioning into a vital manufacturing hub that serves both domestic and global markets.

GlobalFoundries’ role

While several key players are involved, GlobalFoundries (GF) brings substantial manufacturing expertise. Known for specialty chip manufacturing, GF is well-positioned to help India scale its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

GlobalFoundries’ Kolkata Power Center aims to streamline R&D, design, and manufacturing, enabling faster market readiness for critical semiconductor technologies.

Additionally, GF’s recent acquisition of power gallium nitride IP from Tagore Technology strengthens the collaboration, particularly for wide-bandgap semiconductors essential for defense, aerospace, and power management applications.

However, while GF’s involvement is vital, it is the broader partnership — across industries, governments, and technologies — that will drive the success of this initiative. The synergy of US defense R&D, Indian design expertise, and multinational manufacturing capabilities makes this collaboration unique.

Strengthening global semiconductor supply chain

On a global scale, the India-US partnership contributes to the diversification of semiconductor supply chains, addressing current geopolitical and supply chain challenges. By expanding manufacturing footprints and introducing new technologies, this collaboration offers more sourcing options for critical industries like automotive, defense, and telecommunications.

Furthermore, this project aligns with the global trend of governments seeking to bolster domestic semiconductor production to reduce reliance on a few manufacturing hubs. India’s participation in this trend, supported by US and global expertise, further integrates the country into the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Conclusion

This India-US partnership to build a national security semiconductor fab is a landmark moment for India’s semiconductor mission and the global semiconductor industry. By combining advanced R&D, cutting-edge SiC and GaN technologies, and strong industrial collaboration, this initiative will significantly enhance India’s capabilities while diversifying the global supply chain.

India is well on its way to becoming a key player in the global semiconductor landscape, with this partnership as an important step toward achieving that goal. The strategic mix of national security applications, innovation in critical technologies, and expanded manufacturing capacity lays a strong foundation for future growth in local and international markets.

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