ForwardEdge ASIC Achieves U.S. Government “Trusted IC” Vendor Status, Strengthening National Microelectronics Security

ST. PAUL, MN — 27 February 2026 — ForwardEdge ASIC, a leader in high-performance microelectronics and a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, is proud to announce it has officially been approved as a Trusted Integrated Circuit (Trusted IC) vendor as of 25 February 2026.

This prestigious accreditation, granted by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), recognizes ForwardEdge ASIC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security, integrity, and domestic traceability in the design and manufacture of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

As global supply chains face increasing threats from tampering and counterfeiting, the “Trusted IC” designation confirms that ForwardEdge ASIC’s processes meet the rigorous “Chain of Custody” requirements necessary to protect the United States’ most sensitive national security systems.

“Securing Trusted IC status is a watershed moment for ForwardEdge,” said Frank Ferrante, CEO of ForwardEdge ASIC. “It validates our mission to provide the Department of War and our commercial partners with a secure, 100% U.S.-based design pipeline. We aren’t just building chips; we are building the foundation of trust for the next generation of aerospace, defense, and digital infrastructure.”

The Ramifications of Trusted IC Approval
The transition to a DMEA-accredited Trusted Supplier carries significant weight for the microelectronics industry and the U.S. defense industrial base:

• Guaranteed Supply Chain Integrity: The approval ensures that ForwardEdge ASIC products are shielded from malicious “kill switches,” backdoors, or unauthorized hardware modifications. This provides “Mission Assurance” for critical systems where failure is not an option.
• Accelerated Domestic Innovation: By providing a vetted, onshore alternative for advanced ASIC design, ForwardEdge helps mitigate the risks associated with foreign-owned foundries and overseas logistics, aligning with the strategic goals of the CHIPS and Science Act.
• Commercial Confidence: Beyond the military, commercial sectors like telecommunications and energy can leverage ForwardEdge’s “Trusted” status to harden their own critical infrastructure against industrial espionage and sophisticated cyber threats.

About ForwardEdge ASIC
Founded by Lockheed Martin to bridge the gap between commercial speed and defense-grade security, ForwardEdge ASIC is a center of excellence for microelectronics. Based in the United States, the company specializes in 100% domestically traceable ASIC and FPGA design, providing turnkey solutions for the most demanding environments on Earth and in space.

Our Mission: Propel United States’ semiconductor chip design to new heights
Learn more about ForwardEdge ASIC