The South Korean government has outlined a plan to establish a self-sufficient ecosystem for defense semiconductors, which have historically relied heavily on foreign sources.
According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the 'Strategy for Domestic Production and Industrial Ecosystem Development of Defense Semiconductors' was discussed at the 11th Science and Technology Ministers' Meeting held on July 23.
The strategy includes plans to promote 'demand-oriented' development of defense semiconductors based on an investigation of weapon system supply chains and future weapon system development plans.
Considering the complexities of international weapon system supply chains, the government aims to regularly survey and monitor supply structures to identify target defense semiconductors early. Additionally, it plans to assess the items, target performance, and required timing of semiconductors to be integrated with existing weapon system acquisition plans.
The strategy also emphasizes the mandatory application of reliability testing and validation for defense semiconductors used in weapon systems, which will be supported by government initiatives. However, the specifics of mandating domestic defense semiconductors for weapon systems will be determined through consultations, as it may impact operational timelines.
DAPA stated that it will proactively develop advanced semiconductor technologies that will be crucial in future battlefields to achieve self-sufficiency.
Furthermore, the strategy includes establishing public-private collaborative fabs to support research and development (R&D) for the manufacturing and mass production of defense semiconductors, as well as designating and nurturing defense semiconductor businesses to cultivate specialized talent.
In addition, the government plans to leverage domestic industry, academia, and research networks, along with international cooperation, to enhance the stability of the defense semiconductor supply chain and gradually improve technological competitiveness. Specifically, it aims to establish defense semiconductor research centers at universities and implement specialized master's and doctoral programs, along with government-to-government (G2G) technology cooperation.
Currently, the reliance on foreign sources for defense semiconductors in South Korean weapon systems is reported to be as high as 99%. Concerns have been raised that fluctuations in international circumstances and disruptions in supply chains could hinder timely operational readiness of weapon systems.
In response, the government has been operating a 'Defense Semiconductor Development Task Force' since October of last year, involving DAPA, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, to promote the enactment of a defense semiconductor law.
The defense semiconductor law was passed by the Cabinet last month and is now being followed up with the establishment of enforcement decrees and regulations by DAPA.
Lee Yong-cheol, head of DAPA, stated, “With the announcement of this strategy, we aim to quickly integrate the excellent capabilities of the private sector in advanced semiconductors into defense and create a strong virtuous cycle where defense R&D outcomes drive growth in the private sector.”
He added, “We will focus all efforts on building a sustainable defense semiconductor ecosystem that encompasses the entire cycle from design to production, going beyond merely localizing individual components.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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