Japan orders mass-produced 3D-printed drones

Japan's defense procurement agency has approved mass production of 3D-printed interceptor drones. The Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) signed the procurement agreement for the Terra B1, a rocket-launched interceptor drone developed by domestic industrial giant Terra Drone, according to a report from Defense News.

ATLA selected the Terra B1 after a demonstration with the Maritime Self-Defense Forces last month. The agency did not disclose the number of units ordered or the contract price.

Rapid Acquisition Drive

The decision is the fastest to date, industry insiders told Defense News. The tender process took only three months. Previous bids reportedly took one to two years.

This move follows a late May tender from Japan's defense ministry. That tender sought to rapidly acquire and deploy drones capable of intercepting one-way attack drones like the Shahed and anti-radar loitering munitions such as the IAI Harpy. The goal is to deploy a large unmanned fleet by 2027.

The Terra B1 serves as a Japan-made counterpart to the Terra A1 drone. The Terra A1 was fielded on Ukraine's battlefields earlier this year.

3D Printing Advantages

Using 3D printers will simplify and shorten the design and prototyping stage, Terra Drone CEO Toru Tokushige told Defense News. It will allow the Terra B1 to move into mass production as quickly as possible to meet contract requirements.

Beyond lowering costs and accelerating production, 3D printing provides flexibility. Tokushige said it allows ample time to modify the interceptors to adapt to evolving threats and the fast-changing drone technology landscape. These modifications can occur without delaying the deployment schedule.

Tokushige emphasized the strategic potential. "We believe 3D printing is not simply about reducing manufacturing costs," he said. "It has the potential to transform Japan's defense manufacturing into a faster, more flexible and more resilient production model."

Distributed Production Model

Terra Drone plans a distributed manufacturing approach. Production will be spread across multiple locations. The company later plans to expand to local printing farms.

This model is a precautionary measure. It aims to ensure manufacturing can continue even if one facility comes under attack. "Even if one production site were attacked by a system such as a Shahed-type drone, this distributed model could significantly reduce the risk of the entire supply chain being disrupted," Tokushige said.

The decision reflects the Japanese government's growing efforts to increase 3D printing capabilities to support defense needs. 3D printing has been changing military logistics since the U.S. Army and Navy deployed printers in the field in 2012. In Ukraine, printing farms have become a frontline necessity, producing drone parts and tools for brigades.

Experts warn the defense industry may be unable to keep pace with the current administration's export drive and increasing global demands. The ministry's adoption of this technology signals a massive shift.