India and the US will establish a national security semiconductor fabrication plant that will produce chips for use in military hardware and next-generation telecommunications. It will be the first ever India-US semiconductor fabrication partnership and the world’s first multi-material fab for national security.
As per the join fact sheet, the countries described the semiconductor fabrication partnership as a ‘watershed arrangement.’ This initiative will be supported by India Semiconductor Mission and involves a strategic technology partnership between Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force. The countries praised combined efforts to facilitate resilient, secure, and sustainable semiconductor supply chains including through GlobalFoundries’ (GF) creation of the GF Kolkata Power Centre in Kolkata.
The collaboration accentuates advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics for national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications.The Fab, to be known as ‘Shakti’, will focus on three essential pillars for modern war fighting including advanced sensing, advanced communications, and high voltage power electronics. It will manufacture manufacturing infrared, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide semiconductors.
The fact sheet stated that the project will enhance mutually beneficial linkages in research and development in chip manufacturing. “The leaders welcomed steps our industry is taking to build safe, secure, and resilient supply chains for US, Indian, and international automotive markets, including through Ford Motor Company’s submission of a Letter of Intent to utilise its Chennai plant to manufacture for export to global markets,” the document stated.In addition, the countries have commended ongoing efforts to build more expansive cooperation around 5G deployment and next-generation telecommunications. This includes the US Agency for International Development’s plans to expand the Asia Open RAN Academy with an initial $ 7 million investment to grow this workforce training initiative worldwide, including in South Asia with Indian institutions.
