DOD commits $26M to uphold radiation-hardened microelectronics supply chain

The Defense Department awarded $25.8 million to Honeywell to domestically manufacture or procure strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics, according to an announcement Friday.

The award, made via the Defense Production Act Investments (DPAI) office, will fund strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics production via a Defense Microelectronics Agency-approved process, according to DOD.

“The DOD requires trusted and reliable radiation-hardened microelectronic and subcomponents to support strategic and space missions,” Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy Laura Taylor-Kale said in the press release. “This project ensures components are available to meet demand for current and future U.S. systems.”

The Pentagon’s investment will also sustain 90-nanometer technology development at Honeywell’s microelectronics foundry in Minnesota, according to the press release. The technology plays a key role in semiconductor manufacturing to create integrated circuits -- also known as microchips -- with a minimum feature size of 90nm.

By aiding the production and technology development for strategic radiation-hardened microelectronics and its subcomponents at the Minnesota foundry, the investment will also support the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy’s goal to “expand domestic production and increase supply chain resilience,” according to the release.

The funding that DOD announced would go to Honeywell marks the latest of more than 50 awards granted via the DPAI office since the beginning of fiscal year 2024, totaling more than $514 million, according to the Pentagon.