2023 Defense Conference Recap

October 19, 2023

Dr. Jack Groppo, Professor/Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky
Dr. Nicholas Martin, Director, Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA)
Dr. Dev Shenoy, Principal Director for Microelectronics, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
Joe Cole, Vice President, Aerospace & Government, Synopsys
Moderator: Barry Ives, Director Advanced Technology Programs, Lockheed Martin

The panel began by underscoring the importance of strengthening domestic sources and collaborating with U.S. allies and partners to safeguard critical resources, a key element of the 2022 National Defense Strategy. Using the microelectronics market as a focal point, the panel discussed the influence of the CHIPS Act on the defense market, the current landscape of domestic mining operations for rare metals vital to chip production, and the efforts to fortify relations with strategic allies and partners for securing vital supplies. Additionally, they examined "Whole of Government" policy initiatives aimed at balancing immediate requirements with the long-term goal of enhancing domestic production capacity. The discussion also encompassed the implications of electronic design automation and the challenges arising from resource shortages in microelectronic production, particularly rare metals. Further examined

were the impacts of microelectronic dynamics on sustaining capabilities in the field and how this impacts DoD’s ability to gain critical access to the leading, and competitive edge, of microelectronics.