Semiconductors: Manufacturing Industries
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made in the UK semiconductor capability since the acquisition of Octric Semiconductors.
Answered by Ministry of Defence
The Defence Industrial Strategy set out our approach to investing in and onshoring the necessary industrial capabilities for sovereign national security and to boost UK economic growth. It recognises semiconductors as a priority sub-sector critical to modern military platforms and UK defence manufacturing. The Ministry of Defence is therefore focused on ensuring secure, resilient access to these technologies to support national security.
For sensitive and classified applications, Defence requires an assured and trusted supply, including specialised compound semiconductors, where UK-based capability can be essential. An example of this Government’s commitment to action can be seen in its acquisition of Octric Semiconductors in September 2024.
Since establishing a dedicated semiconductor Category Management workstream, the Department has expanded engagement across Defence, wider Government and industry to improve understanding of semiconductor dependencies, supply chain risks and future capability requirements. This activity is informing development of a Defence semiconductor category strategy and supporting wider supply chain resilience initiatives.
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