The introduction of Additive Manufacturing (AM) in the Austrian Armed Forces (ÖBH) is a strategic step to improve combat sustainability and operational readiness. Decentralized, demand-driven production reduces long lead times and dependencies on external supply chains. Both peacetime and battlefield maintenance benefit from this approach. IAMLOG develops a comprehensive logistics concept and validates its performance in realistic scenarios.
Military Relevance and Objectives
IAMLOG aims to increase the sustainability, responsiveness, and endurance of the ÖBH. Decentralized production of spare parts enables rapid battlefield repairs and improves troop mobility and autonomy. AM ensures flexibility in spare part manufacturing, optimizes logistics processes, reduces resupply efforts, and offers significant cost-saving potential. In addition to technical implementation, IAMLOG addresses legal issues such as intellectual property and certification.
Approach and Implementation
The project covers three core areas:
- Development of an AM logistics concept that regulates the integration of 3D printing into military operations, from material selection to logistics processes.
- Validation during a military exercise to test AM processes under realistic conditions.
- Preparation of recommendations for personnel training and structural adjustments in logistics.
Innovation, Sustainability, and Training
IAMLOG incorporates international best practices, such as the use of AM technologies by the German Navy and the Australian Army. Initial attempts to use AM within the ÖBH have already taken place, but so far in an uncoordinated manner and based on individual initiative. IAMLOG builds on these efforts.
Gender aspects, such as promoting women in technical professions and ensuring gender-neutral training materials and curricula, are considered from the outset. Sustainability aspects, including material savings and energy efficiency through on-demand production, are also addressed. Furthermore, an autonomous energy supply for mobile 3D printing stations will be developed.
IAMLOG aims to close a critical gap in military logistics and positions the ÖBH as an early adopter of additive manufacturing in the military context. The consortium’s composition ensures that all necessary areas (additive manufacturing, logistics, autonomous transport, energy supply) are comprehensively and systematically covered.
