Semiconductors are vital to the defence and aerospace industries, they are essential for any digital product.
Although they represent only about 1% of the global chip market, the semiconductors must be tough, reliable and capable of storing data and information in complete security. While supply chain disruptions in general pose an economic and potentially social challenge, shortages in these strategic sectors also become a security problem. Europe depends on a small number of foreign suppliers, and this has significant implications. The United States, China and South Korea are investing huge sums In this field.
The European Commission regulation on new chips, aims at doubling the semiconductor production in Europe. It would be brought to 20% of world production by 2030, with a total investment of around EUR 43 billion.
However, the Commission is asked to clarify the sources of this funding, as some of it appears to come from a redistribution of sums already budgeted for other priority sectors, such as space, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, which do not have to be put at risk.
Furthermore, there should be no reductions in the appropriations of the European Defence Fund, since the resources available are already limited.
In a context of growing geopolitical tensions, ensuring that the Defence and aerospace sectors have adequate financial support is of crucial importance in relation to chip regulation. Moreover, such legislation should not only focus on small semiconductors but also promote innovation for larger ones, which are still widely used in the defence and aerospace industries.
The definition of certification procedures is also fundamental for these two sectors.
For example, there is a need to support the development of common military and civilian standards within the framework of the European standardization strategy.
One issue that needs to be addressed without delay is legal certainty in the field of state aid; it is therefore necessary that, at European Union level, the criteria for the authorization of any support measures must be clearly indicated and, at national level, administrative procedures must be efficient.
Cooperation with allied countries such as the United States also needs to be strengthened through the EU-US Trade and Technology Council.
In conclusion, the global defence and aerospace semiconductor ecosystem is complex and highly interdependent.
Only by exploiting the strengths and developing coordinated strategies will it be possible to avoid duplication and improve the efficiency of the entire system.
