Context: DRDO successfully demonstrated indigenous Gallium Nitride Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (GaN MMIC) technologyà It strengthens India’s capabilities in advanced defence electronics.

ABOUT

• GaN: Gallium Nitride, a semiconductor capable of handling high power, high frequency and high temperatures.
• MMIC: Multiple microwave components such as transistors, resistors and capacitors integrated on a single chip.
• Designed for applications up to the X-band frequency range.

Indigenous Development

• DRDO developed the technology in 2024, placing India among a small group of countries with this capability.
• Other countries include US, Russia, France, Germany, South Korea and China.

Key Features

• High power output: Indigenous 3.5 × 3 mm chip can deliver up to 30 W.
• High speed: Faster signal processing than conventional silicon-based devices.
• Thermal efficiency: Performs well under high-temperature and high-power conditions.
• Compact and lightweight: Enables smaller defence systems.
• Defence Applicationsà Radars and sensors, Satellites, Missile systems, High-frequency communication systems