DRDO Unveils Indigenous Semiconductor Breakthrough, Strengthening India’s Defence Electronics
DRDO unveils a major Indigenous Semiconductor breakthrough, boosting India’s defence electronics and advancing self-reliance in critical technologies.
TheInterviewTimes.com | New Delhi | November5, 2025 — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a major advancement in Indigenous Semiconductor technology, marking a significant leap in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence electronics. The development, unveiled at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, underscores India’s growing competence in designing and manufacturing critical electronic components.
At ESTIC 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, DRDO revealed that it had successfully developed 4-inch Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and fabricated Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs), capable of handling power up to 150 watts. These are essential components for modern defence systems that demand high efficiency, thermal stability, and long-term reliability.
Strategic Leap in Indigenous Semiconductor Development
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, led a technical session on Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing on the conclave’s final day. The timing of this Indigenous Semiconductor milestone aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation Fund, aimed at positioning India as a global technology powerhouse.
Silicon Carbide wafers are crucial for high-temperature and high-voltage applications, making them ideal for aerospace, missile guidance systems, and power electronics in defence platforms. Similarly, Gallium Nitride transistors are revolutionizing radar, communication, and electronic warfare systems — all critical to India’s national security infrastructure.
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Strengthening India’s Defence Self-Reliance
These Indigenous Semiconductor innovations form the foundation of DRDO’s long-term strategy to build fully self-reliant defence systems. Advanced radars, sensors, electronic warfare suites, and directed-energy weapons now increasingly rely on domestically developed semiconductors, significantly reducing dependence on foreign imports.
By indigenizing such complex technologies, DRDO is not only strengthening India’s operational readiness but also reinforcing technological sovereignty — a core objective of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
Global Context and Economic Impact
India’s semiconductor ecosystem has witnessed exponential growth since 2021, attracting investments exceeding ₹1.6 lakh crore. With the global semiconductor market projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, India’s push for Indigenous Semiconductor manufacturing could position it as a key player in global supply chains.
The ESTIC 2025 Conclave brought together over 3,000 experts from academia, industry, and research institutions to discuss advancements in materials science, chip fabrication, and electronic design automation — areas vital for sustaining the nation’s defence and technology goals.
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Innovation Meets National Security
Experts believe DRDO’s semiconductor innovation is more than just a technological achievement — it is a geopolitical move towards reducing vulnerabilities arising from global chip shortages and export restrictions. By building an Indigenous Semiconductor base, India enhances its capacity to develop and deploy next-generation systems independently.
These advancements also open the door for public-private collaborations, enabling Indian startups and research institutions to co-develop critical technologies for both defence and civilian use, such as electric vehicles, 5G infrastructure, and renewable energy systems.
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A Defining Moment for India’s Semiconductor Future
DRDO’s breakthrough signifies a defining moment in India’s technological evolution. As global competition intensifies in the semiconductor industry, India’s progress in Indigenous Semiconductor research reflects its readiness to compete in the global arena while ensuring national security and industrial growth.
With these developments, DRDO has laid the groundwork for a self-sustaining ecosystem where advanced defence electronics and high-performance chips are developed domestically. The success underscores India’s commitment to merging innovation with strategic independence — a hallmark of 21st-century technological leadership.