RF Micro Devices (RFMD®), a global leader in the design and manufacture of high performance semiconductor components, and SELEX GALILEO, one of Europe's leading defense electronics suppliers, announced the two companies have signed a strategic supply agreement. The strategic supply agreement expands upon a former agreement signed in 2001 between SELEX GALILEO and a division of the former Filtronic Compound Semiconductor Ltd., which was acquired by RFMD on February 29, 2008.
The strategic supply agreement is expected to encompass multiple high performance semiconductor components, including GaAs PHEMT MMICs supporting electronically scanned (ESCAN) radar and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar applications. As a result of the supply agreement the two companies expect RFMD will increasingly support SELEX GALILEO's delivery of a range of current and future state-of-the-art defense electronics programs. Accordingly, both companies anticipate the strategic supply agreement to be valued at approximately $20 M through 2013.
Speaking recently at a special signing ceremony in London, Norman Bone, senior vice president, Radar and Advanced Targeting of SELEX GALILEO, said, "We operate in a highly competitive market so it is crucial that we align ourselves strategically with the best possible suppliers who will allow us to deliver on our challenging business goals. RFMD's diverse portfolio of state-of-the-art semiconductor technologies combined with their RF systems expertise made them an obvious choice for our company. We look forward to forging a stronger and more successful relationship."
Bob Van Buskirk, president of RFMD's Multi-Market Products Group, speaking at the signing ceremony, said, "We are very pleased to sign this strategic supply agreement and extend our relationship with SELEX GALILEO. SELEX GALILEO is one of Europe's leading defense electronics suppliers, and they are a highly valued customer for RFMD. As the industry leader in the development and manufacture of compound semiconductors and the industry leader in the design and manufacture of RF components, RFMD is uniquely positioned to support SELEX GALILEO's stringent requirements for high-performance semiconductor components."
RFMD expects to expand its aerospace & defense business in Europe and is strengthening its commitment to support European aerospace & defense customers with high performance semiconductor components developed and manufactured in its Newton Aycliffe, UK-based subsidiary.