South Korea is working to expand its 3D printing capabilities to produce military hardware that is difficult to procure or in short supply.
Earlier this week, the country’s industry and defense ministries signed a collaborative agreement aimed at building a more robust supply chain and stable industrial ecosystem through additive manufacturing.
Under the agreement, the two ministries will explore new applications for 3D printing to produce components for Seoul’s warships, main battle tanks, and other critical defense assets.
While South Korea has been utilizing 3D printing in defense since 2017, the latest deal marks a significant step toward deeper cooperation and broader application.
“Based on the industry ministry’s assets, including infrastructure and workforce, along with its research and development experience, we expect to achieve significant results under the partnership with the defense ministry,” said Yoon Sung-hyuk, a senior official from the industry ministry.
3D Printing in Defense
As ongoing regional conflicts continue to disrupt global supply chains, many countries have turned to additive manufacturing to ensure self-sufficiency in critical supplies.
This process allows for the rapid, cost-effective production of components, helping to reduce supply chain bottlenecks.
In South Korea, the adoption of 3D printing has surged in response to growing demand for digital manufacturing solutions, according to 3DPrint.com.
Many companies have reportedly invested heavily in improving productivity, reorganizing supply chains, and driving manufacturing innovation for both commercial and defense sectors.
Around the world, countries like the US, the UK, India, and Taiwan have similarly embraced 3D printing to accelerate the development of critical defense technologies.
