Additive Manufacturing Gains Importance in the Defense Sector

Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, is playing an increasingly important role in the defense sector. Armed forces and defense contractors are increasingly adopting the technology to improve flexibility, efficiency, and supply security.

“Additive manufacturing is helping militaries overcome obsolescence while enabling defence suppliers to work more flexibly and efficiently, says Matthew Jones, Defence Technical Lead EMEA at Stratasys.”

A central driving factor is the challenge of maintaining aging equipment. Many military vehicles and systems date back to the 1980s, and some original manufacturers no longer exist. Spare parts are often difficult or impossible to obtain. Through 3D printing, required components can be produced directly on demand, reducing downtime and lowering inventory needs. At the same time, the technology is gaining strategic importance amid disrupted supply chains and geopolitical tensions, as it reduces dependence on external suppliers.

In the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Defence has published a strategy describing additive manufacturing as a key technology for ensuring supply security and operational readiness. Plans include developing a digital infrastructure to securely transmit design data and enable on-site part production when needed. Mobile printing units are expected to facilitate distributed manufacturing, complemented by material recycling in line with circular economy principles.

Germany is also testing the technology. The German Navy has trialed 3D printing aboard the frigate Sachsen, producing brackets and housings directly on the ship. Earlier deployments, such as at the Mazar-i-Sharif field camp in Afghanistan, confirmed the technology’s effectiveness under challenging environmental conditions.

Beyond military use, manufacturers are increasingly integrating additive processes into development and production. Companies such as Airbus and BAE Systems use 3D printing to produce tools, prototypes, and functional components more quickly and cost-effectively. These examples show that additive manufacturing in the defense sector not only offers short-term solutions for spare parts but is also fundamentally transforming production and logistics processes in the long term.

Learn more about Stratasys at stratasys.com.