3D printing • Page 2 of 7

Jun- 2026 -

16 June

Lockheed’s New Drone Prototype Skipped the Traditional Factory Process

In less than 12 months, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Divergent transformed a digital drone concept into a full-scale physical prototype.

May- 2026 -

20 May

Technology

Ethan M. Encarnacion

UK Now Lets Robots Handle Finishing Touches of 3D-Printing

The UK is moving beyond manual labor for the final stages of 3D-printing, shifting the task to a new robotic system.

18 May

Technology

Rojoef Manuel

FLEETWERX, US Navy School Test On-Demand Part Resupply System for Troops

California-based organization FLEETWERX and the US Naval Postgraduate School are evaluating a distributed manufacturing and logistics network at Camp Roberts, California.

Apr- 2026 -

29 April

Technology

Ethan M. Encarnacion

Colorado Firm Unveils 3D-Printed Engine Delivering 1,000-Lb Thrust for Uncrewed Fighters

A Colorado-based firm is looking to power uncrewed fighters with a unique 3D-printed turbofan capable of producing 1,000 pounds of thrust.

28 April

Americas

Jodesz Gavilan

US Navy Awards $3M Contract to Colibrium Additive for Metal 3D Printing Push

The US Navy’s NAVAIR has awarded Colibrium Additive a $3-million contract to advance metal additive manufacturing for naval aviation.

27 April

Air

Rolls-Royce's new additive manufacturing line in Bristol

Rojoef Manuel

Rolls-Royce Expands UK Operations With 3D Printing Hub for Military Aircraft Engines

Rolls-Royce has inaugurated a new additive manufacturing line in Bristol to produce key components for next-generation military aircraft engines, supported by UK Ministry of Defence funding.

20 April

Technology

Rojoef Manuel

Nikon Wins DLA Contract for 3D Printing Pilot Program

Metal 3D printing company Nikon AM Synergy has secured a contract to produce defense components using additive manufacturing for the US Defense Logistics Agency.

20 April

Technology

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Teets, left, a motor transportation mechanic, and Lance Cpl. Volcy Voltaire, a generator mechanic with Marine Air Control Squadron 1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, watch a Lulz Bot Taz 6 build a 3-D object during an innovation roadshow on Camp Pendleton, California, July 20, 2022. The Digital Manufacturing Platoon hosts innovation roadshows to showcase 3-D printing capabilities which can provide a means of optimizing readiness by reducing equipment and maintenance requirements. These capabilities support 1st MLG’s mission to provide naval force commanders with the greatest number of options for operational planning and tactical execution. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kristy Ordonez Maldonado)

Rojoef Manuel

South Korea’s DN Solutions Secures LDAS Contract for Additive Manufacturing Tech

South Korean company DN Solutions has received a contract to deliver additive manufacturing and post-processing cutting equipment to defense company LDAS.

20 April

Europe

A kamikaze drone being built in an on-field 3D printer

Giulia Bernacchi

UK Opens Internal Investigation Into Army Use of Chinese 3D Printing Systems

The UK has launched an internal investigation into the British Army’s use of Chinese-manufactured 3D printers.

13 April

Technology

3D-printed rocket engine combustion chambers shown in the manufacturing area at L3Harris’ Florida facility.

Jodesz Gavilan

L3Harris Cuts Satellite Thruster Build Time by 12 Months With 3D Printing

L3Harris Technologies is using additive manufacturing to reduce satellite thruster production timelines, removing up to 12 months from a process that traditionally takes around 18 months.

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