AILEEN supports EU Defence readiness at AM Village 2026

As European defence logistics and manufacturing evolve to meet new operational challenges, Additive Manufacturing (AM)—commonly known as 3D printing—is rapidly transitioning from a promising technology into a critical operational reality. However, turning this potential into front-line capability requires more than just machinery: it demands a highly skilled workforce capable of navigating complex design, material, and production processes.

To bridge this gap, the AILEEN Project successfully delivered its latest specialized pilot course, "AM for Defence" (SW20/26), held during AM Village 2026. Designed to strengthen European Union defence capabilities, the initiative brought together 15 dedicated participants representing Ministries of Defence (MoD) and key industry leaders for an intensive two-day training session on March 18th and 19th.

Co-hosted with Novaindef, IDONIAL Centro Tecnológico, and FAN 3D, the course provided an end-to-end deep dive into defence-grade manufacturing. Participants gained practical and strategic insights into:
• Material Strategy: Selecting specialized metals and high-performance polymers for mission-critical hardware.
• Technical Standards: Applying rigorous design-for-additive-manufacturing protocols and precise metrology workflows.
• Manufacturability: Efficiently bridging the gap between a digital file and a fully functional, high-performance physical component.

"To move AM from potential to operational reality, European Armed Forces need professionals who know how to 'think additively'—selecting the right processes, designing for maximum performance, and ensuring absolute part reliability in the field."

The learning experience extended beyond the classroom. At the IDONIAL Centro Tecnológico and ASTURIAS HUB DE DEFENSA booth, participants and visitors saw firsthand how theoretical designs translate into combat-ready hardware. The live demonstrations provided Spanish MoD and defense sector leaders with a practical, real-world showcase of the AILEEN training framework in action.

Strengthening the European CoVE Ecosystem:
Events like AM Village 2026 highlight the vital role played by the CoVE network in aligning advanced manufacturing skills with the strategic priorities of the EU Armed Forces. This successful pilot was made possible through strong cross-border collaboration within the Spanish CoVE—including Sicnova, Idonial, and Novaindef—with support from FAN 3D and the European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF). By transforming specialized technical expertise into a strategic asset, the AILEEN Project and its partners continue to build a resilient, highly skilled workforce capable of safeguarding Europe's industrial and defence sovereignty.