The US Army is preparing for the massive introduction of 3D printing

The US Army predicts that additive technologies, in particular 3D printing, will become an integral part of military infrastructure "very, very soon." This was stated by several senior representatives of the department at a recent conference on land vehicles, emphasizing the strategic importance of this technology.

Currently, the army is actively exploring and testing 3D printing capabilities to solve a wide range of tasks. Among them are the production of drone housings, the printing of hundreds of components for armored vehicles and other vehicles, as well as the creation of spare parts directly in the field.

The main advantage of 3D printing lies in its ability to drastically reduce time and logistics costs. Instead of waiting for parts to be delivered from rear warehouses or from other countries, military units will be able to manufacture the necessary items on the spot, right on the front line. This is especially critical in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

In addition, additive manufacturing allows you to quickly adapt equipment to specific missions, speeding up the process of modernization and repair of equipment. For example, if a robotic system or UAV is damaged, you can quickly print the necessary part and return the equipment to service in a matter of hours.

Officials emphasized that the army's goal is not just to use 3D printing sporadically, but to scale its application throughout the unit. Standards for materials, equipment, and processes are already being developed to ensure the reliability and compatibility of printed parts with existing technology.

MHI and Yamaha have tested a 200×200 hybrid UAV: up to 200 km with 200 kg payload

 The Japanese defense and aerospace company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), together with Yamaha Motor, has completed flight tests of a medium-sized hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying a payload weighing 200 kg over a distance of up to 200 km. The test flight took place in mid-April 2025 at the MHI UAV Research Center and was an important step in the development of promising unmanned logistics platforms suitable for both civilian and military applications. The prototype of the UAV was first presented to the public at the Japan Drone 2025 exhibition, held at the Makuhari Messe Exhibition Center in Chiba from June 4-6, 2025.

Chinese Cargo Drone CH-YH1000 Completes First Flight with 1.2-Ton Payload

 

CH-YH1000

The unmanned cargo aircraft CH-YH1000, developed by Aerospace CH UAV, made its first test flight in the north-west of the country. The drone is capable of transporting up to 1.2 tons of cargo over a distance of 1,500 km, operating for up to 10 hours without refueling, and landing even on dirt pads or grass. The drone is designed for fast and inexpensive delivery to remote regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang.

The CH-YH1000 cargo drone is a versatile unmanned platform for delivering cargo at medium altitudes. It has the classic look of a cargo plane and two engines. Unlike manned transport aircraft, the UAV weighs less and carries more cargo. Thanks to proven avionics from other CH-series drones, it is well protected from interference and reliable.

The CH-YH1000 can travel up to 1,500 km, stay in the air for up to 10 hours and climb to an altitude of 8000 m. Its load capacity is 1200 kg. It holds four cargo pallets with a volume of one cubic meter each. Loading and unloading is possible through the front, and unloading is possible through the bottom panel, which makes delivery more flexible. The aircraft is also equipped with an on-board 6 kW power supply, which allows you to connect various equipment to perform tasks.

The drone can take off and land over short distances, including conventional roads, rolled-up dirt roads and grass, which allows it to be used in difficult conditions. When a float or ski chassis is installed, it is also capable of operating on water and snow.

The CH-YH1000 can connect large cities with remote areas, providing fast and inexpensive cargo delivery. One of the drone's developers said that the CH-YH1000 is a kind of "aerial pickup truck." According to him, the company's goal is to create efficient air transportation, which will be only slightly more expensive than ground transportation. This will meet the logistical needs of hard-to-reach regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang, where delivery is expensive and time-consuming.

The test flight took place after the drone passed full-load taxiing tests in January. The tests were carried out at the airport in Jinmen city of Zhanghe, located in Hubei Province.

Unprecedented field trials of mobile microfabric for drone production on the front line

Microfabric for drone production

On June 2, 2025, unique field tests of a mobile microfabric capable of producing drones directly on the front line began. This autonomous system was developed by the startup Per Se Systems from the French city of Perigueux and is an innovative solution for the operational provision of troops with unmanned aerial vehicles.

The microfabric is equipped with several 3D printers working simultaneously on a trailer, which makes it possible to produce FPV drones (first-person view) in just three hours. With this performance, the system can produce up to ten drones per hour, ensuring stable and localized supply without having to rely on traditional industrial logistics chains.

This innovation significantly increases the mobility and autonomy of units, allowing them to quickly replace equipment losses and adapt to changing combat conditions. The ability to produce drones right on the front line reduces the delivery time and reduces the risks associated with transportation.

Transfer of the Patriot battalion from the Pacific Ocean to the Middle East: logistical problems

 

According to an analytical report published on the Business Insider website, it took 73 C-17 aircraft to transfer the Patriot battalion from the Pacific Ocean to the Middle East. This highlights the serious challenges in sustained logistical support for American troops needed for combat operations in the Pacific. Analysts note that such problems can negatively affect the ability of the United States and NATO to quickly deploy troops if necessary.

Transfer Details

- Number of flights: It took 73 flights on C-17 aircraft to transfer the Patriot battalion. This shows the complexity and scale of the logistical operations that are required to move large military units.

- Armament and equipment: The Patriot Battalion includes anti-aircraft missile systems, which are among the most advanced in the world. Each battalion consists of four batteries, each of which includes a radar, a control room and up to eight launchers.

-Transfer objectives: The transfer of the battalion was carried out as part of a broader build-up of the US military presence in the Middle East, related to tensions with Iran and the Houthis in Yemen.

Problems with logistics

- Limitations of transport aviation: Admiral Sam Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, noted that 73 C-17 cargo flights were required to transfer the Patriot battalion. This highlights the problems with transport aviation, which can affect the ability of the United States to deploy troops quickly if necessary.

-The need to improve logistics: Analysts note that logistical problems can become critical for combat operations in the Pacific Ocean, where the distances between theaters of war are large and the infrastructure to support military operations is limited.