Producing drones at the edge: How distributed manufacturing is shaping the battlespace
11 Sep 2025
Aerospace Forum
Maintaining advantage: Workforce activation and talent acquisition
The strategic deployment of distributed additive manufacturing (AM) to produce attritable, high-performance drones at low cost near frontlines or national borders offers a transformative approach to security. While centralized manufacturing boosts efficiency, it has become increasingly vulnerable to UAVs. In contrast, a network of distributed production facilities presents a resilient alternative. This presentation explores the recent advancements of AM, highlighting critical advancements to scale up production in decentralized settings. By integrating centralized and distributed manufacturing, organizations can establish a robust supply chain strategy - essential for survival in modern warfare. This topic demonstrates the pivotal role of AM in enhancing national and European security.
Speakers
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