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3 Challenges Slowing the Adoption of Additive Manufacturing in Defense

At the Military Additive Manufacturing Summit (MILAM) in Tampa, one theme surfaced repeatedly across panel discussions and conversations with defense officials and industry leaders. The question is no longer whether additive manufacturing works. It is whether the systems around i

3 Challenges Slowing the Adoption of Additive Manufacturing in Defense
3Dnatives

At the Military Additive Manufacturing Summit (MILAM) in Tampa, one theme surfaced repeatedly across panel discussions and conversations with defense officials and industry leaders. The question is no longer whether additive manufacturing works. It is whether the systems around it can keep up.

From logistics and repair to drone production and certification, the barriers slowing adoption are increasingly human rather than technical. Throughout the event, speakers pointed to policy frameworks, qualification standards and procurement processes that are still struggling to move at the same pace as the technology itself.

These challenges will be the focus of ADDITIV Defense, 3Dnatives’ upcoming virtual event taking place May 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM EDT / 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM CEST. The event will explore three areas where the gap is most visible: military logistics and sustainment, scaling production of drones and equipment, and certification for mission-critical components.