Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) revealed a major investment exceeding $10 billion directed at Taiwan's technology ecosystem. The funds will support the development of next-generation infrastructure and advanced packaging technologies. This strategic move underscores AMD's commitment to expanding its manufacturing footprint in the region.

The investment focuses on enhancing AMD's capabilities in advanced packaging, a critical area for high-performance computing and AI chips. Advanced packaging techniques allow for tighter integration of components, improving performance and energy efficiency. Taiwan is a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and packaging, making it a natural choice for AMD's expansion.

AMD's decision comes amid growing demand for AI accelerators and data center processors. The company has been working to increase its production capacity to compete with rivals like Nvidia and Intel. By investing in Taiwan, AMD aims to secure access to cutting-edge packaging technologies and supply chain resilience.

The investment will be phased over several years, with specific projects to be announced later. AMD plans to collaborate with local partners, including semiconductor foundries and packaging firms. The company already works closely with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for chip production.

This move aligns with broader industry trends where chipmakers are investing heavily in advanced packaging. TSMC, for instance, has been expanding its advanced packaging capacity in Taiwan. AMD's investment is expected to create jobs and boost the local tech ecosystem.

AMD CEO Lisa Su stated that the investment reflects the company's confidence in Taiwan's technology leadership. She emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving the next wave of computing. The investment is subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions.

AMD's announcement follows similar investments by other tech giants in Taiwan. The region remains a critical node in the global semiconductor supply chain. AMD's commitment is seen as a long-term bet on the island's manufacturing prowess.

The investment is scheduled to begin in 2024, with full deployment expected by 2028. AMD did not disclose specific financial details or the exact breakdown of spending. The company reaffirmed its dedication to advancing high-performance computing through strategic investments.

President Donald Trump abruptly canceled an event on Thursday just hours before he was scheduled to sign an executive order granting the government the power to test frontier AI models before their public release. As The New York Times explained, Trump had been hoping that top executives from leading AI firms would attend the signing. He decided to pull the plug after learning that some CEOs couldn't make the event. That made Trump unhappy, even though he'd only given them 24 hours' notice.

Other AI executives who quickly rearranged their schedules to go "were midair on their way to the Oval Office" when they found out that the trip was for nothing. Reporting from Semafor indicated that OpenAI "supported" the signing. However, xAI founder Elon Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly helped "derail" the executive order, supposedly urging Trump to "call it off."

Additionally, Trump's former AI advisor David Sacks—whose special government employee designation expired in March, The Information noted—joined the push to delay the signing, Semafor reported. The executive order would have required companies developing advanced AI models to submit them for government safety testing before public release.

The cancellation highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and major AI firms over regulation. The White House did not immediately comment on whether the executive order would be rescheduled. Some industry observers noted that the short notice for the event may have contributed to the low attendance.

OpenAI had expressed support for the executive order, according to Semafor. The company has previously advocated for government oversight of AI development. In contrast, Musk and Zuckerberg have been more critical of regulatory efforts, with Musk warning about AI risks but opposing certain government controls.

The event's cancellation leaves the status of the executive order uncertain. It remains unclear if Trump will attempt to sign it at a later date or if the opposition from key industry figures will permanently shelve the initiative. The White House has not released a revised schedule for the signing.

ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet has described Elon Musk as “very serious” regarding his ambitious chip manufacturing initiative known as TeraFab. The project involves plans for a massive semiconductor fabrication facility with investments reaching hundreds of billions of dollars.

Fouquet made the remarks during a recent interview, highlighting Musk’s commitment to the venture. The TeraFab project is envisioned as a large-scale chip production plant that could significantly impact the global semiconductor supply chain.

ASML, a Dutch company, is the leading supplier of photolithography equipment essential for advanced chip manufacturing. The company’s extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines are critical for producing the most sophisticated semiconductors.

Musk’s TeraFab project would require substantial quantities of ASML’s EUV tools, which cost over $150 million each. Fouquet noted that Musk has been actively engaging with ASML to secure the necessary equipment for the project.

The TeraFab initiative is part of Musk’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on external chip suppliers for his companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI. By building its own fabrication plant, Musk aims to ensure a stable supply of cutting-edge chips for applications like autonomous driving and artificial intelligence.

Industry analysts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of such a massive investment, given the technical and financial challenges involved. However, Fouquet’s comments suggest that ASML takes Musk’s plans seriously and is prepared to support the project.

ASML has a history of working with major chipmakers like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel. The company’s EUV technology is considered essential for producing chips at the 7-nanometer node and below.

Fouquet emphasized that ASML is in discussions with Musk’s team to assess the project’s requirements. He declined to provide specific timelines or investment figures, citing confidentiality agreements.

The TeraFab project, if realized, would represent one of the largest semiconductor investments in history, potentially reshaping the industry landscape. ASML’s confirmation of Musk’s seriousness adds credibility to the endeavor, though many details remain undisclosed.

Iran has reported the destruction of 24 MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles throughout the ongoing conflict. The announcement was made by Iranian military officials, who stated that the drones were shot down using domestically developed air defense systems. Each MQ-9 Reaper is valued at around $30 million, bringing the total estimated cost of the downed drones to nearly $1 billion.

The MQ-9 Reaper, manufactured by General Atomics, is a remotely piloted aircraft used primarily for surveillance and precision strikes. It can carry up to four Hellfire missiles and has a flight endurance of over 24 hours. The drone is a key asset for the US military and its allies in various theaters of operation.

Iranian state media broadcast footage claiming to show the wreckage of several drones, though independent verification of the claims has not been possible. The US Department of Defense has not officially commented on the reported losses. Analysts suggest that if confirmed, this would represent a significant setback for US aerial operations in the region.

The downing of the drones is part of a broader pattern of confrontations between Iranian forces and US-operated aircraft. In recent years, Iran has invested heavily in electronic warfare and air defense capabilities, including systems that can target low-observable drones. Tehran has also claimed to have captured and reverse-engineered several US drones in the past.

The conflict has seen increased use of drones by both sides. The US has deployed MQ-9 Reapers for intelligence gathering and targeted strikes against Iranian-backed militias. Iran has employed its own fleet of drones for reconnaissance and attack missions, as well as for targeting enemy assets.

Military experts note that the loss of 24 Reapers would be unprecedented in a single conflict. The US Air Force operates approximately 300 MQ-9s globally. The reported losses could strain US drone operations in the region and prompt a reassessment of tactics and air defense suppression strategies.

Iran's announcement comes amid heightened tensions with the US and its allies. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for the drone downings, stating that they were carried out in defense of Iranian airspace. The US has not confirmed the claims but has acknowledged the loss of some drones due to technical issues or hostile fire.

The financial impact of the reported losses is substantial. Each MQ-9 Reaper costs about $30 million, not including the cost of sensors, weapons, and support equipment. The total replacement cost for 24 drones would exceed $720 million, with additional costs for training and logistics.

Iranian officials have stated that the downed drones were intercepted using a combination of electronic jamming and surface-to-air missiles. They have released images of what they claim are the wreckage of several MQ-9s, though the authenticity of the footage has been questioned. The US has not provided a counter-narrative, leaving the claims unverified.

The reported destruction of 24 MQ-9 Reapers, if accurate, would mark a significant escalation in the conflict and a major blow to US aerial capabilities. The US military has not issued an official statement regarding the claims, and independent verification remains elusive.