The South Korean government is set to systematically develop defense semiconductors, which serve as critical components in future combat systems, including AI-based manned and unmanned hybrid combat systems.
The "Defense Semiconductor Development and Support Act" passed the Cabinet meeting on June 2, aimed at securing the capability to develop and manufacture defense semiconductors and establishing an industrial ecosystem.
The Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced that the act, which includes the establishment of a basic and implementation plan for the development of defense semiconductors and prioritizing the purchase of domestically developed semiconductors, is expected to be announced in June.
Despite being essential components of advanced weapon systems, defense semiconductors have lacked dedicated legislation, limiting the ability to reflect the unique characteristics of the defense sector in policies and to establish comprehensive support.
With the advent of the AI era, the importance of defense semiconductors as a strategic asset has been increasingly recognized, raising ongoing calls for self-sufficiency and stable supply chains.
It is reported that approximately 99% of the defense semiconductors used in South Korea's domestic weapon systems are imported.
In response, the Blue House and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration have been operating a government-wide "Defense Semiconductor Development Task Force" since October 2025 to support the enactment of the Defense Semiconductor Act and to promote policies for the development of defense semiconductors.
The recently passed Defense Semiconductor Act includes provisions for the establishment of a basic and implementation plan for the development of defense semiconductors, support for specialized research and development projects, the establishment of reliability testing and certification systems, prioritizing the purchase of domestically developed semiconductors, reducing penalties for applying defense semiconductors to weapon systems, and designating defense semiconductor businesses to foster domestic industry and self-sufficiency.
Lee Yong-cheol, head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, stated, "The enactment of the Defense Semiconductor Act will mark a significant turning point for our defense industry, moving beyond merely manufacturing weapon systems to securing self-reliance in core semiconductor technologies. We aim to strengthen the competitiveness of defense semiconductors and contribute to revitalizing the national economy through synergies with the civilian industry."
The Defense Semiconductor Act is expected to take effect as early as the fourth quarter of this year, following the establishment of subordinate regulations and implementation rules.
The "Defense Semiconductor Development and Support Act" passed the Cabinet meeting on June 2, aimed at securing the capability to develop and manufacture defense semiconductors and establishing an industrial ecosystem.
The Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced that the act, which includes the establishment of a basic and implementation plan for the development of defense semiconductors and prioritizing the purchase of domestically developed semiconductors, is expected to be announced in June.
Despite being essential components of advanced weapon systems, defense semiconductors have lacked dedicated legislation, limiting the ability to reflect the unique characteristics of the defense sector in policies and to establish comprehensive support.
With the advent of the AI era, the importance of defense semiconductors as a strategic asset has been increasingly recognized, raising ongoing calls for self-sufficiency and stable supply chains.
It is reported that approximately 99% of the defense semiconductors used in South Korea's domestic weapon systems are imported.
In response, the Blue House and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration have been operating a government-wide "Defense Semiconductor Development Task Force" since October 2025 to support the enactment of the Defense Semiconductor Act and to promote policies for the development of defense semiconductors.
The recently passed Defense Semiconductor Act includes provisions for the establishment of a basic and implementation plan for the development of defense semiconductors, support for specialized research and development projects, the establishment of reliability testing and certification systems, prioritizing the purchase of domestically developed semiconductors, reducing penalties for applying defense semiconductors to weapon systems, and designating defense semiconductor businesses to foster domestic industry and self-sufficiency.
Lee Yong-cheol, head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, stated, "The enactment of the Defense Semiconductor Act will mark a significant turning point for our defense industry, moving beyond merely manufacturing weapon systems to securing self-reliance in core semiconductor technologies. We aim to strengthen the competitiveness of defense semiconductors and contribute to revitalizing the national economy through synergies with the civilian industry."
The Defense Semiconductor Act is expected to take effect as early as the fourth quarter of this year, following the establishment of subordinate regulations and implementation rules.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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