European AESA T/R Module Supply Chain

Europe’s radar recapitalisation is entering a phase in which the decisive constraint is no longer confined to platforms, antenna design or prime-contractor integration. The critical layer sits deeper in the architecture: the transmit/receive modules that convert semiconductor performance, RF design, thermal management, packaging and digital control into operational AESA radar capability.

As naval, ground-based air-defence, counter-UAS and ballistic-defence radars move towards higher power, wider bandwidth, multi-function operation and greater production volumes, the transition from GaAs to GaN is becoming a sovereignty issue.

This analysis answers: Why are transmit/receive modules the decisive constraint in Europe's radar recapitalisation, deeper than platforms or prime integration? Why is the GaAs-to-GaN transition becoming a sovereignty issue for naval, ground-based air-defence, counter-UAS and ballistic-defence AESA radars? What is the European capability stack across semiconductor performance, RF design, thermal management, packaging and digital control? What demand and production outlook and investment implications follow?