DISCMAM and ROLIAC: Pionering the future of defence through additive manufacturing

·         Funded by the EDF, these disruptive European projects focus on exploring new technologies for defence applications to enhance operational efficiency and improve logistics.

·         Both initiatives share partners involved in each project, creating a robust knowledge base and shared practices.

 The European Defence Fund (EDF), established by the European Commission, is a key initiative aimed at bolstering the European Union’s defence capabilities through financial support for research, development, and innovation in the defence sector.

The primary objective of the EDF is to enhance the EU’s strategic autonomy by fostering the development of cutting-edge and compatible defence technologies and equipment. This initiative addresses a rapidly changing global security landscape, where Europe seeks to strengthen its defence capabilities in the face of evolving threats, ranging from cyber warfare to conventional defence challenges.

A notable example of the funding provided by the EDF can be seen in two significant projects: ROLIAC (EDF 2021) and DISCMAM (EDF 2022). Both initiatives focus on researching disruptive technologies for defence applications, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and logistical competencies.

A shared mission: Innovation and autonomy in the European defence sector

The ROLIAC and DISCMAM projects share a common mission: advancing the European defence sector through cutting-edge innovation. Both initiatives focus on Additive Manufacturing (AM) to revolutionize the defence industry by applying advanced manufacturing and digital technologies that have yet to be fully utilized in defence applications. Furthermore, their aim is to support European defence autonomy by reducing reliance on external sources and strengthening Europe’s independent defence capabilities, while optimizing resources and reducing logistical costs. Despite these shared goals, each project offers a unique approach and distinct contributions.

DISCMAM aims “to develop solutions for on-site AM of metallic parts, encompassing both repair and spare parts manufacturing operations. The solutions will be designed in a manner that facilitates ease of use for operators in military environment and deployable scenarios, while ensuring secure communication pathways”, explained Juan Carlos Pereira, coordinator of the initiative.

In contrast, ROLIAC investigates the design and manufacture of lightweight, high-performance military components using novel materials and additive manufacturing techniques. The goal is to enhance the structural performance of critical systems by developing an emergency wheel for the land forces, cargo bay door hinge assemblies for the air force, and large-scale antenna mounts for satellites to the navy. As highlighted by Anders Bæk Hjermitslev project lead of ROLIAC: “The project will develop and demonstrate AM as a robust technology for the defence industry, providing new and better solutions compared to traditional manufacturing”.  

Expert defence consortium driving collaborative innovation

Cross-border collaboration is a cornerstone of both European initiatives, playing a crucial role in achieving their ambitious objectives. These projects bring together international consortia from various EU countries, supported by several Ministries of Defence, underscoring a unified effort to boost the region’s defence ecosystem.

A key aspect is the shared partnership among the two project’s consortiums, which facilitates a robust knowledge base that significantly benefits the development and implementation of both projects. Among the prominent partners are Lortek (Spain), Danish Technological Institute (Denmark), CenSec (Denmark), and Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands).

The active involvement of project partners ensures smooth cooperation within European initiatives, setting the stage for future cross-border business ventures. Crucially, the participation of SMEs, industrial partners, mid-sized companies, defence clusters, and research and technology organizations (RTOs) are essential for establishing horizontal collaborations, thus providing access to new markets and potential customers.

SMEs, in particular, hold a pivotal role in both initiatives, contributing to all phases of development and innovation. Their participation not only enhances the overall outcomes but also reinforces the broader European defence ecosystem, ensuring sustained growth and resilience.

Expected impacts

All in all, the two EU projects aim to shape the future of defence logistics. As Anders Bæk Hjermitslev explained, “With ROLIAC, we strive to unlock the potential of additive manufacturing for the defence sector. This technology has the potential to be a game-changer, offering not only robust and resilient supply chains but also the ability to design ultra-lightweight, high-performance components and leverage novel materials that redefine mechanical capabilities”. In this sense, DISCMAM seeks to transform the capabilities of deployed defence forces through innovative technologies, establishing a new business model for remote-assisted on-site maintenance operations.

The joint efforts between these initiatives underscore the commitment to advancing Europe’s defence capabilities while fostering research and innovation, increasing autonomy, enhancing supply chain resilience, and promoting environmental sustainability in defence operations. Their collective impact will ensure that Europe not only addresses current challenges in defence but also prepares for future threats in a rapidly evolving sector.