BAE Systems secures $16 million to restore RH45 chip capability and strengthen US supply of radiation hardened space electronics

BAE Systems received $16 million in Defense Production Act funding to demonstrate and qualify its RH45 radiation-hardened, 45-nanometre semiconductor process. The investment is intended to restore a dependable US source of chips able to survive radiation and extreme conditions encountered in military and civil space missions. Domestic production reduces dependence on scarce overseas foundries and supports long-life satellites, sensors, and strategic systems. The award funds technology maturation and qualification rather than immediate high-volume output, so customers will still need device designs, testing, and procurement commitments before supply expands materially.