Major Investment Boosts Resilience of Critical Microelectronics Sector

The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded $25.8 million to Honeywell for the production of strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics, bolstering America’s national defense capabilities and reducing foreign dependence.

At a Glance

DoD invests $25.8 million in Honeywell for radiation-hardened microelectronics
Investment supports 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy
Funds will support 90nm technology development at Honeywell’s Minnesota foundry
Initiative ensures availability of essential components for strategic and space missions

Strengthening America’s Defense Capabilities

The Department of Defense has taken a significant step towards fortifying America’s national security by awarding $25.8 million to Honeywell in Plymouth, Minnesota. This investment is aimed at producing and acquiring trusted strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics, which are crucial for military and aerospace systems operating in high-radiation environments such as space.

This strategic move aligns with the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy, which focuses on expanding domestic production and increasing supply chain resilience. By investing in American manufacturing capabilities, the DoD is not only securing national defense but also reducing reliance on foreign producers.

NEWS: CHIPS Act Advances DoD's Emphasis on Microelectronics https://t.co/SKscJsrgZI

— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) August 10, 2022

Ensuring Mission-Critical Components

The importance of this investment cannot be overstated. Radiation-hardened microelectronics are essential for the reliability and longevity of systems operating in hostile environments, particularly in space-based applications and strategic defense systems.

“The DoD requires trusted and reliable radiation-hardened microelectronics and subcomponents to support strategic and space missions,” said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. “This project ensures components are available to meet demand for current and future U.S. systems.”

The funds will support the fabrication of strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics and the development of 90nm technology at Honeywell’s Minnesota microelectronics foundry. This investment is part of a broader initiative by the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) office, which has issued over 50 program awards totaling $514.4 million since the beginning of fiscal year 2024.

Collaboration for a Resilient Industrial Base

The DPAI is managed by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) program within the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience. This office works in tandem with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)) to maintain a robust, secure, and resilient industrial base.

To foster innovation and address critical supply chain issues, the OASD(IBP) utilizes the Defense Industrial Base Consortium Other Transaction Agreement (DIBC OTA). This initiative solicits new ideas for research and prototype projects aimed at enhancing supply chain resiliency.

Pentagon research chief calls for commercial radiation-hardened electronics https://t.co/PUifUnNSdg pic.twitter.com/1siu0XaPki

— SpaceNews (@SpaceNews_Inc) April 10, 2024

A Broader Context of Microelectronics Funding

This $25.8 million investment is part of a larger trend in DoD funding for microelectronics. The department is significantly increasing its investment in this critical area, with billions earmarked over the next five years. The DoD budget for dual-use technology research is set to jump to about $1.1 billion in 2023, up from $531 million in 2022. Additionally, the budget for custom technology, primarily for defense applications, will rise to $914 million in 2023 from $864 million in 2022.

The CHIPS and Science Act could provide additional funds, with $2 billion newly appropriated for the DoD up to 2027. Furthermore, the CHIPS for America Defense Fund will reach $2 billion through 2027, offering further opportunities for domestic operations and workforce development in this critical sector.

As the United States continues to invest in its microelectronics capabilities, it’s clear that the Department of Defense is taking proactive steps to ensure America’s technological edge and preparedness in essential defense sectors. This investment in radiation-hardened microelectronics is a crucial component of a broader strategy to maintain America’s military superiority and protect national security interests in an increasingly complex global landscape.