Strategic Role of EDM and Additive Manufacturing in Defense Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing in the defense sector: the strategic role of electrical discharge machining and additive manufacturing
The defense sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation driven by the need for in-house industrial capabilities, more agile logistics cycles, and greater operational autonomy in the face of unpredictable geopolitical scenarios. In this context, the incorporation of advanced technologies—such as the new ONA AV100 with a 1000 mm cutting height, unique in Europe—reflects the qualitative leap that the industry is undergoing in order to respond to these demands. Manufacturers such as General Dynamics European Land Systems– Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS), Sicnova, Airbus Defence & Space, Navantia, Indra, and other strategic integrators require technologies capable of offering maximum precision, assured repeatability, and immediate availability, well above conventional industry standards.
In this scenario, advanced manufacturing has become a strategic tool. Technologies such as electrical discharge machining (EDM) and additive manufacturing (AM) are redefining how military equipment is designed, produced, repaired, and maintained. Each technology offers distinct benefits that can be applied independently or, in certain cases, in combination, depending on operational needs and the characteristics of each component. Their adoption improves platform availability, reduces logistical vulnerabilities, and increases the industrial resilience of the countries that use them.
EDM stands out for its ability to work with critical alloys and complex geometries with micrometric tolerances, while additive manufacturing allows for the on-demand production of optimized components and spare parts that are impossible to obtain through conventional processes. Together or independently, these technologies are essential for providing the defense sector with greater levels of self-sufficiency, operational resilience, and the ability to produce critical components without relying on external supply chains.
