# How the Pentagon Is Buying Microelectronics Like a Chip Startup

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-defense-tech-podcast-with-fexingo-government-contracting-aerospace-and-military-tech-7871833/how-the-pentagon-is-buying-microelectronics-like-a-chip-startup
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-defense-tech-podcast-with-fexingo-government-contracting-aerospace-and-military-tech-7871833/how-the-pentagon-is-buying-microelectronics-like-a-chip-startup.md
Podcast: [The Defense Tech Podcast with Fexingo: Government Contracting, Aerospace, and Military Tech](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-defense-tech-podcast-with-fexingo-government-contracting-aerospace-and-military-tech-7871833)
Published: 2026-07-11T08:27:08+00:00
Episode link: https://audio.fexingo.com/business/the-defense-tech-podcast/episode-0104.mp3
Audio file: https://audio.fexingo.com/business/the-defense-tech-podcast/episode-0104.mp3
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Duration seconds: 579

## Resource

Episode 104 of The Defense Tech Podcast with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna drill into the Defense Department's new approach to microelectronics procurement — specifically the Rapid Assured Microelectronics Prototypes (RAMP) program, which funds trusted domestic fabrication runs in a model similar to how startups buy wafer space from foundries. They break down the per-wafer cost comparison to commercial TSMC runs, the role of the Trusted Foundry program, and what the recent dip in defense primes like LMT, RTX, and NOC means for investors. Plus: why the Pentagon is effectively acting like a lead customer for advanced nodes without owning a fab. Recorded July 11, 2026. #Microelectronics #RAMP #TrustedFoundry #DefenseTech #Pentagon #Semiconductors #TSMC #ChipProcurement #LMT #RTX #NOC #DOD #SupplyChain #NationalSecurity #Business #Technology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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