Iranian drone strikes on Qatar's helium facility prompt U.S. semiconductor makers to accelerate domestic chip production, benefiting Intel and TSMC's U.S. operations.

On Feb. 28, Iranian drone strikes hit QatarEnergy's Ras Laffan Industrial facility, one of only two in the world capable of producing semiconductor-grade helium. The facility may not be fully operational again for months, while semiconductor foundries generally only have about one week of helium inventory.

Intel's 18A process node started high-volume production earlier this year at its Ocotillo campus in Chandler, Arizona, delivering up to 15% better performance per watt and 30% better chip density over the previous Intel 3 process node. The federal government invested $11.1 billion in Intel in exchange for a 9.9% stake. TSMC announced it would increase its total U.S. investment to $165 billion to fund three new fabs, two advanced packaging facilities, and an R&D center at its Phoenix, Arizona, complex.

U.S.-based foundries source most of their helium from domestic and Algerian suppliers, positioning them at a strategic advantage. Intel secured deals with Tesla for its 14A node process and with Alphabet's Google for custom ASICs collaboration. TSMC's first Arizona fab is now making chips for Nvidia and Apple.