Tower Semiconductor and Axiro Semiconductor introduced a new line of radar beamforming ICs built on silicon germanium (SiGe) technology and fabricated in U.S. facilities, targeting next-generation defense and satellite communications systems. The companies positioned the devices as part of a broader push to strengthen domestic semiconductor supply chains for aerospace and defense applications.
The new beamforming ICs (BFICs), operating in Ku- and X-band frequencies, deliver improvements in gain, linearity, output power, and switching speed—key parameters for phased array radar and advanced communication systems. Axiro designed the devices while Tower fabricated them using its SiGe process platform, which is widely used for high-frequency RF and mixed-signal applications. The chips are now ramping to volume production and are being positioned for deployment in defense radar platforms and satcom infrastructure.
The collaboration reflects growing demand from U.S. defense contractors for domestically manufactured RF components amid supply chain and security concerns. By combining Axiro’s RF system design with Tower’s U.S.-based manufacturing footprint, the companies aim to provide an alternative to offshore production while meeting stringent performance and reliability requirements for mission-critical systems.
- Ku- and X-band beamforming ICs targeting radar and satcom applications
- Fabricated in U.S.-based facilities using SiGe process technology
- Performance metrics include higher gain, improved linearity, and fast switching
- Designed for phased array radar and high-frequency communication systems
- Volume production ramp underway with initial deployment in defense programs
- Addresses U.S. defense demand for secure, domestic semiconductor sourcing
“Tower has an established presence as a leading vendor to the U.S. aerospace and defense industry. This A&D experience, along with our market-leading SiGe technology capabilities, sets the foundational performance and scalability essential for modern defense systems,” said Mike Scott, Vice President and General Manager of the Aerospace & Defense Business Unit at Tower Semiconductor.
🌐 Analysis: The announcement underscores the strategic importance of silicon germanium (SiGe) for high-frequency RF front-end applications, particularly in phased array radar and satcom payloads where performance-per-watt and integration density remain critical. It also aligns with broader U.S. policy and industry trends favoring domestic semiconductor manufacturing for defense and infrastructure resilience.
🌐 Analysis: Tower Semiconductor continues to expand its role in specialty foundry services, particularly in RF, photonics, and power devices, while partnerships like this position smaller fabless firms such as Axiro to access advanced process nodes without relying on offshore fabs. Competitors in this segment include GlobalFoundries and Skyworks Solutions, both of which are also investing in RF and defense-oriented semiconductor platforms.
