The 3rd edition of the “Additive Manufacturing Village” organized by the European Defence Agency (EDA) took place in Albacete, Spain from March 16 to 20, 2026 with over 800 participants from 16 different nationalities and NATO agencies (NATO Support and Procurement Agency, NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine). For this edition, French participation was significant with around forty people and numerous resources (2 deployable containers and about ten polymer, metal, and silicone printing resources) gathered in the “French Corner State-Industry” on 300 m².
The military detachment was led by the operational condition maintenance office (MCO) of the armed forces headquarters made up of participants from the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the Integrated Operational Condition Maintenance Structure of Land Equipment (SIMMT), the aeronautical maintenance directorate (DMAé), the Fleet Support Service (SSF), the army healthcare service (SSA), the Air and Space Force (National 3D Printing Pole and Air Paratroopers Commando No. 30) and the Army (9th support regiment for airmobile equipment). Represented by the industry were companies HANDDDLE, COSMYX, LYNXTER, VLM ROBOTICS, SAFRAN, ULTIMAKER, and STRATASYS.
For several days, French participants showcased their expertise, exchanged ideas with partners on future applications of additive manufacturing, explored the latest technologies, and discussed possible collaborations.
Under the auspices of the European Defence Agency (EDA), the 3D printing adventure continues in June 2026 with the Eurosatory fair and the continuation of interoperability work during the 5th edition of the additive manufacturing committee in Poland at the binational center (Ukraine-Norway) in Rzeszow.
