BAE Systems and Rocket Lab Secure CHIPS Program Funding

Author

Slice of Manufacturing Team
December 03, 2024

Key Highlights:

  • BAE Systems awarded $35.5M for modernizing its Microelectronics Center in Nashua, NH, quadrupling production capacity and enhancing national defense capabilities.

  • Rocket Lab awarded $23.9M to expand Albuquerque, NM facility, increasing space-grade solar cell production by 50% and creating 100+ jobs.

  • CHIPS Program focuses on strengthening U.S. semiconductor supply chain resilience and supporting critical national defense and space programs.

Notable Quotes:

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"By finalizing these awards, we are strengthening America’s domestic semiconductor supply chain resilience and broadening our manufacturing capabilities."

 Laurie E. Locascio, Under Secretary at Commerce
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"This investment marks a significant step forward for the modernization of our Microelectronics Center, enhancing our national security and American technological leadership."

Cheryl Paradis, VP, FAST Labs at BAE Systems
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"This award will help to ensure U.S. leadership in compound semiconductor manufacturing capability while reinforcing Rocket Lab’s position as a leader in space-grade solar cell production."

Brad Clevenger, VP at Rocket Lab Space Systems

Our Take:

These awards signal a critical leap in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, aligning with the nation’s goals to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. By targeting defense and space-grade technologies, the CHIPS Program strategically invests in sectors vital to national security and technological leadership. BAE Systems’ focus on defense applications and Rocket Lab’s advancement in space technology underscore the synergy between innovation and resilience in maintaining U.S. global competitiveness.