10–12 Nov 2026
Arcotel Wimberger
Europe/Vienna timezone

Decentralized Metal and Polymer Additive Manufacturing: An Integrated Framework for On-Demand Sustainment in Defense Applications

11 Nov 2026, 09:00
20m
Room 1

Room 1

Oral Presentation Tools, Space and Aircraft, Automotive, Medical, Defense and others MAM in the Defense Sector - Highlight Session

Speaker

Dr Juan Carlos Redondo (Airbus Defense and Space)

Description

The escalating threat of High-Intensity Conflict (HIC) and the increasing fragility of global supply chains pose existential risks to modern defense readiness. Traditional centralized logistics models are increasingly inadequate for contested environments, where supply chain interdiction is a constant threat. To address this strategic vulnerability,
Airbus DS proposes a decentralized manufacturing framework centered on on-site minifactories.These modular units function as autonomous production assets by integrating additive manufacturing with critical post-processing and testing capabilities, ensuring a complete and self-contained manufacturing cycle.

Moving beyond conventional additive workflows, this approach establishes a holistic, endto-end (E2E) ecosystem designed to maximize asset availability and operational endurance during active missions. The framework integrates three vital pillars: a Digital Spare Parts Catalog for the on-demand production of certified components;
specialized Battle Damage Repair (BDR) guidelines for rapid field interventions; and real-time industrial technical support, enabling remote expert oversight of complex manufacturing processes. This approach ensures that while standard components meet rigorous certification standards, repair procedures are optimized to restore immediate combat readiness in high-pressure scenarios. By transitioning from a "stockpile-based" to
a "digital-inventory-based" model, this capability significantly reduces the logistical footprint and mitigates the impact of supply disruptions.

In essence, this integrated approach transforms logistics from a vulnerability into a responsive operational enabler, enhancing the mission sustainment and combat effectiveness of defense forces through localized manufacturing.

Speaker Country Spain
Would you like to publish your paper in the special issue of BHM "Berg- und Hüttenmännische Monatshefte" No

Author

Dr Juan Carlos Redondo (Airbus Defense and Space)

Co-authors

Joaquín Gallego (Airbus Defense and Space) José Luis Melchor (Airbus Defense and Space)

Presentation materials

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