Why is GaN important?
GaN is a third-generation semiconductor material commonly used in 5G base stations, radar, military communications, aerospace, and electronic warfare. It is better than silicon in specific applications due to its ability to operate at higher voltages, frequencies, and temperatures.
At present, major world powers, like the United States, rely heavily on GaN for advanced chips. This makes it strategically important in the ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry.
China controls around 98% of global gallium production and has recently banned exports to the U.S. This has driven up the cost of GaN-based semiconductors, making it harder for the U.S. (especially the Pentagon) to source affordable chips.