GCT Semiconductor partners to enhance next-generation UAV control and communications

GCT Semiconductor Holding, a designer and supplier of 5G semiconductors used to support wireless connectivity in AI data infrastructure, has announced a strategic partnership and license agreement with a leading infrastructure provider serving utilities and IoT markets, aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation control and communication technology for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

As part of this initiative, GCT is developing a dedicated defense-focused business line to expand its dual-use technology, meaning technology applicable to both commercial and military purposes, and support emerging mission-critical and defense applications. The collaboration combines GCT's expertise in cellular and non-terrestrial network (NTN) technology, which extends connectivity beyond ground-based infrastructure, with the partner's experience building industrial-grade wireless systems. The partnership includes integrating GCT's GDM7243i connectivity chip and IoT module into the partner's products.

John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT, said the company is proud to deepen its long-standing collaboration with the partner as the two expand together into the fast-evolving UAV communications space.

The two companies have a long history of working together in the utility sector, having used GCT's IoT modules across large-scale smart metering and grid modernization projects. Building on that foundation, this new agreement extends their partnership into additional areas, drawing on their combined strengths to support emerging use cases spanning logistics, security, defense-related operations, and more.

Schlaefer said the combined expertise in advanced connectivity and industrial-grade wireless systems positions the two companies to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions suited to what next-generation unmanned platforms require. He said the agreement reflects GCT's commitment to enabling innovative applications across both commercial and defense markets.