AUKUS additive manufacturing
How Australia, the UK and the US are using 3D printing to keep submarines supplied, based on what each government has published.
Last updated 22 Oct 2026
Additive manufacturing (3D printing) builds parts layer by layer from a digital file. The UK Ministry of Defence describes it as a key enabler of the AUKUS submarine partnership [1]. Checked 22 Oct 2026. It isn't one of the eight Pillar II working areas named in 2022 [2]. Most official AUKUS references to it so far sit on the submarine and industrial-base side.
What the three countries have announced
- Shared standards (UK). The Submarine Delivery Group is working with the US and Australian submarine industrial bases on common material standards and requirements, so the partners can share equipment and recognise each other's qualified parts. A trilateral advanced-manufacturing landscape review is under way and will inform shared Defence Standards. These will eventually allow higher-risk components such as valves to be qualified [1]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
- Parts for HMS Anson (UK and Australia). During a UK submarine maintenance period at HMAS Stirling in early 2026, QinetiQ UK and QinetiQ Australia, working with Australian suppliers, produced additively manufactured parts that were approved for use on HMS Anson [1]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
- Printed at sea (US). In November 2025, sailors aboard the tender USS Frank Cable produced a stainless-steel valve handwheel with a hybrid additive and subtractive system. It was installed on USS Vermont at HMAS Stirling. The US Navy said the AUKUS Program Office released technical data to partner nations to support the work [3]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
- Navy maintenance (Australia). Navy's Fleet Support Unit is using 3D printing to help keep ships and submarines supplied with spare parts [4]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
- Industry grants (Australia). Under the Defence Industry Development Grants program, Rosebank Engineering was allocated $359,130 for a wire arc additive manufacturing capability tested against US Navy requirements [5]. The Australian Submarine Agency later listed $781,739 for Rosebank to set up a cold-spray additive manufacturing facility [6]. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
Why it matters
The UK and US releases make the same practical point. Printing approved parts close to where submarines are maintained can shorten lead times and reduce dependence on long supply chains [1][3]. For the advanced-capability side of AUKUS, see AUKUS Pillar II explained.
Frequently asked questions
Is additive manufacturing part of AUKUS Pillar II?
It is not one of the eight Pillar II working areas named in April 2022. Official references so far mostly sit with the submarine partnership and its industrial base. The UK MOD calls additive manufacturing a key enabler of the AUKUS submarine partnership.
Has a 3D-printed part been used on an AUKUS submarine?
Yes. The US Navy installed a 3D-printed stainless-steel valve handwheel on USS Vermont at HMAS Stirling in November 2025, and the UK MOD says printed parts were approved for HMS Anson there in early 2026.
Sources
- Additive manufacturing: transforming submarine maintenance and support, 25 Jun 2026 (GOV.UK, MOD)
- Fact Sheet: Implementation of AUKUS, 5 Apr 2022 (White House archive)
- US Navy, Australia and UK advance AUKUS industrial cooperation with shipboard 3D-printed part, Nov 2025 (DVIDS, Commander Submarine Force Atlantic)
- New technology solves spare parts problem, 23 May 2024 (Defence)
- $170 million Defence Industry Development Grants program, 25 Jul 2025 (Australian Defence Ministers)
- Local companies receive funding boost for nuclear-powered submarine program (Australian Submarine Agency)