A visitor takes a photo of semiconductor wafer at Semiconductors Korea 2026 at COEX in southern Seoul, Feb. 11. Newsis

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a bill aimed at supporting the development of semiconductors for defense systems using domestically developed technology.

Under the bill, the government seeks to set up a comprehensive support system to foster the country's so-called "defense semiconductors," according to the defense ministry and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

It includes drawing up a plan to advance defense semiconductors, funding relevant research projects, and offering advanced purchase options for products developed using homegrown technologies.

The move comes as semiconductors for defense systems have emerged as a key strategic asset in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), amid continued demands to reduce foreign reliance and secure a stable supply route for the key component in advanced weapons systems.