ULM, Germany — March 18, 2026 : German defense and sensor technology company HENSOLDT has entered into a long-term supply agreement with European semiconductor manufacturer United Monolithic Semiconductors (UMS) for the delivery of 900,000 gallium nitride (GaN) components by 2030. The agreement is aimed at strengthening supply chain reliability while enabling the expansion of radar system production amid rising global demand for advanced sensor technologies.
Supply Agreement and Production Strategy
Under the terms of the agreement, UMS will supply a steady volume of GaN semiconductor components over the coming years. The deal provides HENSOLDT with long-term visibility over the availability of critical high-frequency components, reducing exposure to supply chain disruptions that have affected the global semiconductor sector in recent years.
The agreement forms part of HENSOLDT’s broader industrial strategy to scale up series production of radar systems. The company is seeking to align component availability with increasing order volumes, particularly in the air defense and security sectors, where demand for sensor-based solutions has grown significantly.
Christian Ladurner, Chief Financial Officer of HENSOLDT, stated that securing component supply is essential to maintaining production continuity. He noted that the company is expanding manufacturing capacity while ensuring that key inputs remain consistently available to meet customer requirements.
Technology Integration and Radar Applications
The GaN semiconductor components will be integrated into transmit and receive modules used in HENSOLDT’s radar systems. These components function as high-frequency amplifiers, a critical element in modern radar architecture.
The primary application of the supplied components will be within the Spexer radar family, a series of radar systems designed for surveillance and security operations. The use of GaN technology enables improvements in detection range, target resolution, and energy efficiency compared to earlier semiconductor materials.
Both companies confirmed that the components are being jointly developed and tested to meet system-specific requirements before deployment. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure compatibility with HENSOLDT’s radar platforms and to optimize performance under operational conditions.
Market Context and Demand Drivers
The agreement reflects broader trends in the global defense and security market, where demand for high-performance radar and sensor systems has increased due to evolving threat environments and modernization programs. Air defense systems, in particular, require advanced radar capabilities for detection, tracking, and targeting.
By securing a multi-year supply of GaN components, HENSOLDT aims to mitigate risks associated with component shortages while maintaining the ability to meet production schedules. The arrangement also supports the company’s efforts to expand output without delays linked to semiconductor availability.
Xavier Crosnier, Chief Executive Officer of UMS, emphasized the longstanding partnership between the two companies. He stated that the agreement enables UMS to contribute its industrial GaN capabilities to support HENSOLDT’s production growth and supply chain resilience objectives.
Company Profiles
HENSOLDT is a European defense technology company specializing in sensor solutions, electronic systems, and software for applications across air, land, sea, cyber, and space domains. Headquartered in Taufkirchen near Munich and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (MDAX), the company reported revenue of €2.46 billion in the 2025 financial year and employs approximately 9,500 personnel.
United Monolithic Semiconductors (UMS) is a European provider of high-frequency semiconductor technologies, with operations in Villebon-sur-Yvette, France, and Ulm, Germany. The company focuses on gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies, delivering components for defense, telecommunications, industrial, and space applications through both custom development and standard product offerings.
Outlook
The long-term agreement between HENSOLDT and UMS establishes a structured supply framework for critical semiconductor components through the end of the decade. It supports HENSOLDT’s objective of increasing radar production capacity while maintaining operational continuity in a market characterized by rising demand and supply chain sensitivity.
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