Israel invests $115 million to build infrared sensor independence
SCD to double capacity and develop new detectors for national defense and global partners.
SCD (Semiconductor Devices), an Israeli OEM supplier of infrared (IR) sensors, detectors, and modules, has signed a multi-year strategic contract with the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD). The agreement, signed under the “Blue & White” initiative, is designed to support Israel’s national goal of strengthening domestic defense industries and securing access to advanced technologies for future needs.
"The enhanced capabilities will not only support future defense requirements but will also strengthen Israel’s industrial and technological independence in this critical field,” said Kobi Zaushnizer, CEO of SCD.
The program, valued at approximately $115 million, will expand SCD’s cleanroom facilities and manufacturing infrastructure, enabling the development and production of next-generation infrared sensors across the full IR spectrum (SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR).
“We are working to deepen Israeli independence across the entire value chain,” said Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Daniel Gold, Head of the IMOD Directorate of Defense Research and Development.
“In the sensor domain, we are building breakthrough domestic production capabilities for IR technologies… These capabilities will serve the entire defense establishment and provide the technological building blocks for tomorrow's advanced systems.”
As part of the initiative, SCD said it will double its current production capacity, with a focus on both cooled and uncooled IR detectors. The investment will also bring in advanced fabrication methods and IR semiconductor technologies.
Beyond its national impact, SCD plans to leverage its expanded capabilities to serve major defense manufacturers worldwide. “Innovation in the IR domain is critical not only for national defense but also for our global partners,” Zaushnizer said.
