The Indian Army participated in the National Additive Manufacturing Symposium 2026 in New Delhi, denoting the growing role of additive manufacturing in defence preparedness and India’s wider manufacturing ecosystem. The symposium brought together representatives from government, the armed forces, academia and industry to discuss how 3D printing and related digital production methods can support strategic capabilities, rapid prototyping and self-reliance.
Strategic Focus on Defence Manufacturing
The discussions centred on the use of additive manufacturing to strengthen operational readiness and sustainment. The Army underlined that the technology can support battlefield repair, equipment upgrades and faster development of components. It was also linked to the broader idea of smart manufacturing in defence, where design, simulation and data-enabled tools are integrated to improve efficiency.
Army’s Engagement with Stakeholders
The Army delegation was led by Lieutenant General Rajiv Kumar Sahni, Director General of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers. The symposium served as a platform for the Army to connect with national stakeholders and explore faster adoption of additive manufacturing. The emphasis was on collaborative innovation between the government, industry and academia to build a resilient manufacturing base.
From Prototyping to Operational Capability
Additive manufacturing has moved beyond rapid prototyping and is now seen as a mature production method for military use. It can help reduce material waste, create complex geometries and shorten development cycles. The Army is working to integrate polymer and metal additive manufacturing, develop digital design ecosystems and expand partnerships with institutions and industry.
Relevance for Self-Reliant Defence Ecosystem
The symposium reinforced the importance of indigenous manufacturing capacity for future defence needs. Additive manufacturing is increasingly relevant to logistics, sustainment and equipment modernisation. Its adoption is aligned with the broader goal of building a self-reliant defence industrial base capable of supporting future operational demands.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026