Meet the Face Behind India GaN Technology Breakthrough - Indianmasterminds

India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) showcased indigenous defense technologies at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo 2026 in South Africa, highlighting significant breakthro... Read original →

The breakthrough in gallium nitride (GaN) technology showcased by India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo 2026 marks a pivotal step in the country's advancement toward high-end semiconductor materials. This development enhances capabilities in high-power and high-frequency applications such as radar, satellite communications, and 5G infrastructure, catalyzing a shift in India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem. Upstream, it accelerates demand for domestic substrates and epitaxy equipment, while pushing midstream chip design and fabrication processes to evolve. Policy-wise, India’s push for self-reliance in semiconductors confronts supply chain constraints tied to Western equipment and materials. Globally, competitors like the U.S., Japan, and South Korea may tighten export controls to protect their technological edge. Over the next 12 to 24 months, if India achieves scalable GaN production, it could gain a foothold in global defense and aerospace markets, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia.