3D-printed drone – The Defense Post

Mar- 2026 -

20 March

US Army Presents SPARTA: A 3D-Printed Drone Shaped by Soldier Feedback

The US Army has experimented with a 3D-printed drone it developed using input from frontline troops, aiming to produce equipment grounded in real battlefield needs.

Jan- 2026 -

28 January

Air

Giulia Bernacchi

US Marine Corps Develops First NDAA-Compliant 3D-Printed Drone

The 2nd Marine Logistics Group has developed the US Marine Corps’ first National Defense Authorizing Act-compliant 3D-printed drone.

Nov- 2025 -

19 November

Africa

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

Rojoef Manuel

UK Tests Chinese 3D Printers to Build Kamikaze Drones, Sparking Security Concerns

The British Army tested Chinese-made 3D printers to manufacture tactical unmanned aerial systems during a training exercise in Kenya earlier this year, raising questions about security risks linked to Beijing-made technology.

May- 2025 -

21 May

Air

Giulia Bernacchi

US Army Plans 3D-Printed Drone Expansion at Rock Island Arsenal

The Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA-JMTC) plans to ramp up production of 3D-printed drones for the US Army.

Apr- 2025 -

30 April

Air

Joe Saballa

US Army to Test 3D-Printed Drones for Detecting Electromagnetic Threats

The US Army will deploy 3D-printed drones in a military exercise in Poland next month to test their ability to detect potential threats beyond soldiers’ capabilities.

15 April

Americas

Joe Saballa

US Army Eyes Surge in 3D-Printed Drones That Imitate Enemy Forces

The US Army is exploring a significant acceleration in the production of 3D-printed drones capable of replicating the capabilities and behaviors of enemy systems.

Mar- 2025 -

28 March

Americas