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Description

This commentary examines the critical role of secure microelectronics in enabling artificial intelligence (AI)–driven military capabilities and sustaining U.S. strategic advantage. As AI accelerates decision cycles, enhances intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and integrates with neurocognitive systems, its effectiveness depends on trusted semiconductor infrastructure. The authors warn that foreign-manufactured or compromised microelectronic components pose systemic risks to command and control, critical infrastructure, and operational continuity. Supply chain vulnerabilities, including embedded “rogue” devices, could enable sabotage or disruption in contested environments. The article recommends on-shoring microelectronics production, restricting off-shoring of mission-critical components, and strengthening defense-industrial oversight to ensure hardware integrity. Secure microelectronics are foundational to trustworthy AI, human–machine integration, and future battlefield resilience.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Emerging Science and Technologies, Defense Policy, National Security

Region(s)

United States, China

Publication Date

7-14-2025

Keywords

microelectronics security, AI military systems, semiconductor supply chain, defense industrial base, trusted hardware, artificial intelligence in warfare, ISR systems, human-machine integration, C5ISR security, supply chain vulnerabilities, defense modernization, semiconductor manufacturing, on-shoring, national security technology, cognitive warfare infrastructure

Major Concerns About Microelectronics

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