- 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 India’s first national security-focused semiconductor fabrication plant marks a pivotal moment in the global semiconductor landscape. This initiative brings together key players in the industry to enhance India’s self-reliance in critical technologies while also addressing broader global supply chain challenges.
This partnership is particularly noteworthy because 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 between India’s Semiconductor Mission, Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech and the US Space Force. This fab, a first of its kind for national security applications, underscores the strategic importance of bridging India’s design expertise with US defense research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capabilities.
The participation of 3rdiTech, known for its advanced imaging sensors, highlights 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, which aims at fortifying security infrastructure through cutting-edge technology.
This fab will be a critical step towards ensuring a robust, diversified semiconductor supply chain that can address the needs of industries beyond national defense, such as 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 that span multiple 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 continue to push towards more energy-efficient and high-performance systems, SiC and GaN are poised to play a central role in meeting these demands. This collaboration will accelerate the transfer of critical technology and help India emerge as a key player in these sectors, offering global customers more choices and driving innovation.
Enhancing semiconductor self-reliance
A crucial outcome of this partnership is India’s strengthened semiconductor supply chain. With this initiative, India moves closer to its goal of semiconductor self-reliance, particularly for mission-critical systems.
The establishment of the fab and the partnerships driving it signal a strategic shift in how India positions itself in the global technology landscape. The country is no longer just a design hub; it is transitioning into a vital manufacturing node that will serve both domestic and global markets.
GlobalFoundries’ role
While several key players are involved in this initiative, GlobalFoundries (GF) brings substantial manufacturing expertise to the table. Known for its specialty chip manufacturing capabilities, GF is well-positioned to help India scale its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
GlobalFoundries’ presence in the partnership is crucial. The company’s Kolkata Power Center aims to streamline R&D, design and manufacturing, bringing these elements under one roof. This will help accelerate the transition from concept to production, enabling faster market readiness for critical semiconductor technologies.
Besides, GF’s recent acquisition of power gallium nitride IP from Tagore Technology adds another layer of strength to the collaboration, particularly in the realm of wide-bandgap semiconductors, which are increasingly becoming 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 ultimately drive the success of this initiative. The interplay of US defense R&D, Indian design expertise and multinational manufacturing capabilities is what makes this collaboration truly unique.
Strengthening global semiconductor supply chain
On a global scale, the India-US partnership contributes to the diversification of semiconductor supply chains, something that is urgently needed given the current geopolitical and supply chain challenges. By expanding manufacturing footprints and introducing new technologies, this collaboration provides more sourcing options for critical industries like automotive, defense and telecommunications.
Moreover, the project aligns with the larger 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 the 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, not just for India’s semiconductor mission, but for the global semiconductor industry as a whole. By combining advanced R&D, cutting-edge SiC and GaN technologies and strong industrial collaboration, this initiative will significantly enhance India’s capabilities while also diversifying the global supply chain.
India is well on its way to becoming a key player in the global semiconductor landscape, and this partnership is an important step toward achieving that goal. The strategic mix of national security applications, innovation in critical technologies, and expanded manufacturing capacity sets a strong foundation for future growth in both local and international markets.
