India achieves strategic defence milestone with indigenous GaN semiconductor breakthrough

New Delhi, Sep 15: In a major step toward military self-reliance, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully fabricated indigenous Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology. Developed at the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), this breakthrough delivers high-frequency components tailored for next-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and unmanned combat platforms.

 

According to the Ministry of Defence’s annual report, the achievement marks a complete transition from relying on heavily restricted foreign suppliers to establishing a sovereign capability in military-grade hardware.

 

 

 

 

 

The centerpiece of this development is a highly compact, indigenously designed GaN microchip. Measuring just 3.5×3mm, the chip delivers 30 watts of power while operating at speeds 300 times faster than traditional silicon. The technology is built on indigenously grown Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers, which possess the thermal and structural integrity required to power GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) up to 150 watts.

  

Additionally, the SSPL has advanced the creation of Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) capable of handling up to 40 watts for critical X-band frequency applications. GaN’s ability to withstand extreme heat and high voltages allows these systems to transmit stronger signals over longer distances while drastically reducing the cooling and physical footprint required inside fighter jets and naval warships.

 

 

 

 

This technological leap places India within an exclusive club of nations possessing sovereign command over military-grade semiconductor engineering. Historically, GaN tech has been categorized as a "denied technology", closely guarded by Western nations and subject to strict export controls due to its strategic applications in advanced weaponry. By mastering the GaN-on-SiC fabrication process natively, India insulates its defence manufacturing from geopolitical supply chain disruptions.

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond strengthening national security, this milestone aligns with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), which aims to place the country among the top three global semiconductor hubs by 2036. It significantly enhances India’s status as a credible exporter of advanced subsystems, allowing domestic defence firms to integrate local chips into platforms like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft and Arudhra radars.

 

While successful fabrication is a monumental victory, experts note that the next critical phase involves scaling production, improving manufacturing yields, and qualifying these components for rugged field environments. Establishing a sustainable manufacturing ecosystem will ultimately seal India’s absolute technological autonomy.