A January 2020 report said U.S. officials had pressed Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to make chips used in U.S. military hardware in the United States or offer another security-compatible arrangement. The report connected TSMC chips to F-35 components through supplier Xilinx, but did not identify the chips or aircraft systems involved. It was reported sourcing—not public confirmation of a formal government order.
Does TSMC make chips used in the F-35?
Contemporaneous reporting said it did. A January 15, 2020, Nikkei Asian Review report republished by Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research described TSMC as supplying high-performance chips to Xilinx, which made components for F-35 aircraft and satellites. HotHardware reported the story the following day.
This is a reported supply-chain connection, not a publicly available F-35 bill of materials. The reports do not name chip models, quantities, production nodes, or the F-35 subsystems that may have included them. They also do not establish what proportion of the aircraft’s electronics, if any, came from TSMC. The Nikkei report’s broad statement that TSMC accounted for 50% of the world’s chip foundry business was a 2020 market figure, not an F-35-specific statistic or a current market-share measure.
Why did the U.S. want military-use chips made in America?
The concern described in the 2020 reporting was national security and the location of production. Nikkei said U.S. officials wanted chips used in military equipment made on U.S. soil to reduce concerns about possible interference in the supply chain. That rationale appeared in reporting based in part on unnamed officials; the reviewed sources do not include an on-record U.S. government statement confirming a specific request.
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Su Tze-yun, then director of Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told Nikkei: “We’ve noticed that many U.S. tech executives and government officials are concerned about their country’s dependence on TSMC and the security of their defense industry’s supply chains.” That comment describes a broader concern about dependence and security, not confirmation of a particular F-35 component or directive.
The approaches described in the reporting were to fabricate sensitive military-use chips in the United States or provide another security-compatible arrangement. They were presented as requested options, not as solutions known to have been implemented.
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- Authentic F-35 Lightning II Model: A meticulously detailed 1:144 scale replica of the F-35A Lightning II, the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant of Lockheed Martin's advanced Joint Strike Fighter, used by the U.S. Air Force and Allied nations.
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Did TSMC agree to build a U.S. fab?
Not according to TSMC’s response quoted in January 2020 coverage. The company said: “We have never ruled out building or acquiring a fab [semiconductor fabrication plant] in the United States, but currently there is no concrete plan.” Tom’s Hardware published the statement while covering the report. It records TSMC’s position at that time; it should not be read as a statement of the company’s current plans.
Which F-35 components use TSMC chips?
The reviewed reports do not say. They link TSMC’s supply of chips to Xilinx with Xilinx’s production of components for F-35 aircraft and satellites, but provide no part numbers or subsystem details. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 program page describes the aircraft, but does not verify the chip-specific sourcing claim.
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- Detailed model kit in 1:48 scale.
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- The independent assembly is accompanied by step by step or illustrated assembly instructions (English language not guaranteed). The assembly instructions are included (English language not guaranteed).
- Based on the assembly instructions (English language not guaranteed), the precise individual parts must be assembled. The parts can be painted according to your own ideas.
- Tools, glue and paints are not included with the plastic kit. These must be purchased optionally.
A separate 2022 U.S. Department of Defense article about the Defense Logistics Agency’s F-35 supply-chain work discussed improving government visibility into parts distribution and support. It provides context for the broader challenge of tracking an aircraft supply chain, not independent confirmation of TSMC’s role in any particular chip or F-35 system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the U.S. pressure still happening?
The sources reviewed establish what was reported in January 2020, but do not show what happened afterward to the specific request described in that coverage. They do not establish whether it remained active, ended, or was met. Treat the headline as a historical report, not a current update on U.S. policy or TSMC’s arrangements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/48 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Size when assembled: total length 12.8 inches (327 mm), total width 10.7 inches (273
- In addition to the product configuration that is focused on reliable assembly, the parts of the aircraft have been reproduced from a large number of changes from A-type and B-type models
- It is full of the characteristic appeal of the fleet aircraft such as a thick and sturdy leg post, arresting hook and folding the main wingspan
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- HIGHLY DETAILED: Model kit of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Fighter Aircraft - Currently the most modern stealth multi-role fighter aircraft
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- FURTHER MODEL DETAILS: Includes a fully illustrated, step-by-step instruction manual, decal set and painting guide and paint reccomendations (sold seprately)
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