Pentagon Creates MicroElectronics Hubs For New Weapons Development

by Johnny Franks, Warrior Editorial Fellow

The Microelectronics Commons Hubs, an initiative by the US Department of Defense (DoD), is a strategic development enabled by the CHIPS and Science Act. This initiative has established a national network of eight regional innovation hubs. The primary objective of these hubs is to foster domestic prototyping of microelectronics hardware and to develop a specialized workforce in this critical sector. This move is part of the broader US strategy to maintain technological leadership, especially in fields vital to national security and modern warfare, such as microelectronics, which are fundamental to advanced military hardware and systems. The reliance on foreign sources for advanced microchips has recently become a focal point in defense policy. The initiative is meant to focus beyond just technological advancement; it is meant to be a strategic move towards securing a reliable and independent supply chain for critical components, pivotal in defense technology.

This initiative underscores the importance of technological independence in an era where global supply chains are increasingly interlinked and susceptible to vulnerabilities. By fostering domestic innovation in microelectronics, the U.S. is not merely enhancing its military capabilities but is also strategically mitigating risks associated with global dependencies, thereby ensuring a more fortified and resilient defense posture in the face of evolving global challenges.

These hubs are specifically designed to address the “lab-to-fab” gap, which refers to the transition from research and development to production. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks has emphasized the importance of these hubs in advancing U.S. leadership in six key technology areas: 5G/6G, secure edge/Internet of Things (IoT), AI hardware, quantum technology, electromagnetic warfare, and commercial leap-ahead technologies. The expectation is that these hubs will not only contribute to technological advancements but also spur economic growth in their respective regions and become self-sufficient by the end of their initial five-year awards.

One of the hubs, led by the University of Southern California (USC), is focused on 5G/6G technologies. It aims to accelerate the transition from invention to impact, especially in the realm of advanced communications networks. This hub, along with its collaborators, possesses laboratories and fabrication facilities capable of rapid development and prototyping for the U.S. Department of Defense. A major challenge for this hub is scaling these advanced technologies to high-volume production while maintaining high yields. Additionally, there’s a strong emphasis on inspiring the next generation of students to design and build microelectronics, particularly focusing on recruiting community college students.

The development and production of advanced microelectronics within the U.S. shores are more than an economic or technological maneuver; they are a direct response to the expanding digital and military capabilities of Russia and China. By bolstering its microelectronics sector, the U.S. is not only shielding its defense systems from potential vulnerabilities associated with reliance on foreign technology but is also affirming its commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the global arena. This strategic shift signals a profound recognition of the changing nature of international power dynamics, where control over technological innovation is as crucial as traditional military strength. Through this initiative, the U.S. is positioning itself to navigate the challenges posed by the sophisticated technological landscapes dominated by these global powers, ensuring resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world stage.

Johnny Franks holds an MA in U.S. Foreign Policy & National Security from American University and a BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College. With a specific interest in geopolitical security and military technology, Johnny has primarily focused his research and analysis on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 2014 onwards. . As part of his MA coursework, Johnny contributed to developing an Arctic defense strategy in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.