Semiconductors and Sovereignty: A Critical Moment for UK Defence

At its meeting on 2 June 2026, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Semiconductors heard a presentation from Chet Babla, Chief Executive Officer of Octric Semiconductors and one of the latest members of the APPG’s Advisory Board, setting out the urgent strategic importance of semiconductors to UK defence and national security.

The session delivered a clear and hard‑hitting message: semiconductors are not simply components, they are the foundation of modern defence capability, enabling sensing, processing, communication and control across every domain, from land and sea to air and space.

From advanced combat aircraft to integrated defence systems, these technologies are deeply embedded in mission-critical platforms, making them indispensable to operational effectiveness and national security.

The presentation also highlighted the UK’s strengths across the semiconductor value chain, including design, manufacturing, and specialist equipment and services. Yet these capabilities remain exposed within global supply chains increasingly shaped by geopolitical tension, strategic competition, and the risk of disruption.

In this context, supply chain resilience is no longer a long-term ambition, it is an immediate national security priority. The fragility of semiconductor supply chains poses a direct and growing risk to defence capability, particularly as global dependencies remain concentrated in a small number of regions.

The Octric presentation made clear that the UK is at a pivotal moment. Without decisive intervention, the country risks falling further behind in a sector that is fundamental to both security and economic resilience. Stronger, more targeted government policy will be critical, supporting UK manufacturers, accelerating procurement, investing in skills, and strengthening and protecting existing supply chains.

Chair of the APPG Advisory Board, Drew Nelson, had this to add about the presentation: “As the newest member of the Advisory Board Chet and his team bring a great perspective to the APPG regarding the critical infrastructure reliance we have on semiconductors within the defence sector. With the upcoming Defence Investment Plan likely to be published within the next few months it is crucial that the UK plans for a more resilient, sovereign semiconductor industry. We were pleased the Members were able to learn more of this and are looking forward to working on the upcoming Defence and National Security Paper which will be published in September.”

The APPG will play an important role in this effort, providing a platform to bring together parliament and industry, inform debate, and help shape the policy framework needed to secure the UK’s semiconductor future. Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions, coordinated action has never been more important. Ensuring secure access to semiconductors, through both sovereign capability and trusted international partnerships, will be central to safeguarding the UK’s defence, economic strength, and technological sovereignty in the years ahead.