China's Export Restrictions on Gallium and Germanium Will Challenge AESA Radar Manufacturers
Gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN), found primarily in China, are the most basic materials used in the construction of transmit-receive modules in active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, which are widely used in modern fighter aircraft, warships and ground installations.
According to the China Global Times news agency, the Chinese government will impose export controls on gallium arsenide (GaAs), gallium nitride (GaN) and germanium from August 2023.
Experts claim that export controls on these materials will be particularly challenging for the US defense industry, as gallium and germanium, of which China is the world's leading producer, are widely used in advanced radar systems installed in fighter jets, warships and ground systems.
Gallium and germanium are used to make semiconductors and other electronic components.
Gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) are the most basic materials used to make transmit-receive modules in active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, which are widely used in modern fighter jets, warships and ground installations.
GaN is also used in F/A-18E/F and F-35 AESA radars.
China has about 85 percent of global gallium reserves. The remaining 15 percent is produced in Japan, Russia and South Korea.
Western countries, especially the United States, which have been subjected to export restrictions, are expected to face serious supply problems due to the lack of supply.
Gallium is used in many systems; gallium, gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) compounds are used to produce cell phones, optoelectronics, solar panels and LEDs. Gallium is also used in the construction of nuclear weapons.
How will Turkey be affected?
Turkey uses these materials in many sensitive and important systems, especially AESA radars. Depending on the state of our bilateral relations with China, we will be affected by these export restrictions. We believe that China's export restrictions on these materials are aimed at the US, but dependence on China for these materials will always be an element of pressure; alternatives will be much more expensive, and there will also be a situation of inability to supply due to supply constraints. AESA radar manufacturers have entered a procurement process that will keep them on their toes.
