GlobalFoundries (GF) and Dutch semiconductor innovator Qualinx have successfully completed Europe’s first fully sovereign semiconductor manufacturing flow for security-sensitive applications, marking a major advancement in the continent’s efforts to strengthen technological independence and supply chain security. The achievement demonstrates that advanced semiconductors designed for aerospace, defence, and critical infrastructure applications can now be developed, manufactured, and delivered entirely within Europe. The milestone was accomplished at GlobalFoundries’ manufacturing facility in Dresden, Germany, using the company’s FDX technology platform.
Qualinx served as the launch customer for the initiative, deploying a sophisticated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) System-on-Chip designed for secure Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) applications. The solution is aimed at supporting defence systems, aerospace platforms, resilient timing networks, and ultra-low-power connected-edge devices that require secure and dependable navigation capabilities.
The project forms part of GlobalFoundries’ broader European sovereign manufacturing program, supported by the European Chips Act. The initiative consolidates every stage of semiconductor production within the European Union, including design intake, mask preparation, wafer fabrication, and manufacturing processes.
By ensuring that sensitive design information and physical materials remain within European borders, the program addresses stringent security and regulatory requirements demanded by government agencies and operators of critical infrastructure. GlobalFoundries noted that the successful completion of the Qualinx project validates the viability of a trusted European semiconductor ecosystem capable of supporting highly specialized and security-critical applications.
Qualinx highlighted that the collaboration enabled the optimization of its proprietary Digital RF technology on GF’s FDX platform while maintaining full control over intellectual property, data security, and supply chain management within Europe. The resulting solution combines high energy efficiency with enhanced security and reliability, making it suitable for next-generation connected devices and mission-critical systems.
Building on this achievement, GlobalFoundries plans to establish a fully automated trusted manufacturing flow in Dresden by the end of 2026. Beginning in 2027, aerospace, defence, and critical infrastructure customers will be able to access the sovereign manufacturing framework through regular foundry engagements.
The company is also collaborating with European connectivity and cloud providers to ensure secure handling of production-related data across the entire semiconductor value chain. These efforts are expected to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor capabilities while providing customers with a trusted and resilient manufacturing alternative. The milestone underscores Europe’s growing commitment to building strategic autonomy in advanced semiconductor technologies while supporting innovation in defence, aerospace, communications, and critical infrastructure sectors.
