This article is based on an official press release from 3D Systems and additional industry data regarding the NDAA FY2026.

3D Systems Accelerates Aerospace & Defense Strategy Amid New NDAA Regulations

On January 5, 2026, 3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) announced a significant strategic expansion within its Aerospace & Defense (A&D) vertical, forecasting revenue growth to exceed 20% in 2026. The company is positioning itself to become a primary domestic partner for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), capitalizing on new regulatory frameworks established by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.

According to the company’s announcement, this growth strategy involves a major infrastructure expansion in Littleton, Colorado, and the development of large-format metal printing systems supported by U.S. Air Force funding. The initiative aims to secure the domestic supply chain for critical defense components, moving beyond prototyping into full-scale production.

Financial Projections and Market Growth

3D Systems released specific financial targets alongside its strategic roadmap. The company reports that its A&D revenue is estimated to have grown by more than 15% in 2025. Looking ahead, they project this growth rate to accelerate to over 20% in 2026.

Specifically, the company targets revenue from production printing systems and custom metal parts to exceed $35 million in 2026. Management expects the A&D segment to become the company’s largest and fastest-growing industrial business unit by the end of the year.

“Aerospace and defense customers worldwide increasingly require a reliable partner that delivers qualified, scalable solutions with speed, security, and supply chain resilience… Recent U.S. policy developments, including NDAA provisions, provide an additional tailwind that aligns closely with our ongoing domestic investments.”

, Dr. Jeffrey Graves, CEO, 3D Systems

Infrastructure Expansion and Certification

To support these production goals, 3D Systems is expanding its Application Center of Excellence in Littleton, Colorado. The company plans to add up to 80,000 square feet to the facility. This expansion is designed to increase capacity for application development, process qualification, and production-scale manufacturing.

Crucially, the Littleton facility has been selected for certification under the America Makes JAQS-SQ (Joint Additive Qualification for Sustainment, Supplier Qualification) framework. This certification is a key step in standardizing and accelerating the qualification process for 3D-printed parts intended for DoD use, ensuring they meet rigorous military standards.

Technological Innovation: The Race for Large-Format Metal

A central pillar of the company’s defense strategy is the development of next-generation laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) technology. 3D Systems is currently executing a $18.5 million program sponsored by the U.S. Air Force. The objective is to develop a large-format metal printer with a build area greater than one meter by 2027.

According to the press release, 3D Systems aims to be the only U.S. provider of a complete, onshore, end-to-end metal additive manufacturing (AM) ecosystem for large-frame systems by 2027. This ecosystem will encompass design, printer manufacturing, and parts production.

“We are prioritizing A&D applications where additive manufacturing delivers maximum mission impact, from shipbuilding and advanced defense systems to aviation and space.”

, Dr. Mike Shepard, VP of Aerospace & Defense, 3D Systems

Regulatory Context: The Impact of NDAA FY2026

The acceleration of 3D Systems’ strategy is closely tied to the regulatory environment introduced by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. Section 849 of the Act explicitly prohibits the DoD from procuring additive manufacturing systems produced by “covered nations,” which includes China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

This regulation effectively bans Chinese competitors, such as Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) and Eplus3D, from the U.S. defense supply chain. These companies have previously held a strong position in the global large-format metal market. The ban creates an immediate demand for domestic alternatives, often referred to as “Blue UAS” equivalents for the manufacturing sector.

AirPro News Analysis

The timing of 3D Systems’ expansion appears calculated to fill the vacuum left by restricted foreign competitors. While Chinese manufacturers have historically offered large-format metal printers at lower costs, the NDAA FY2026 neutralizes this price advantage within the U.S. defense market by making legality, rather than cost, the primary procurement factor.

By securing the JAQS-SQ certification and investing in the “1-meter” class printer, 3D Systems is addressing the two biggest hurdles in defense adoption: the lack of standardized qualification for printed parts and the scarcity of domestic machines capable of printing large structural components for missiles, satellites, and naval vessels. This move transitions the company from a vendor of prototyping tools to a critical node in the national security industrial base.

Global Strategic Partnerships

While the primary focus remains on U.S. domestic production, 3D Systems is also strengthening its presence among U.S. allies. The company highlighted its joint venture in Saudi Arabia, known as NAMI, formed in partnership with Dussur and Lockheed Martin.

NAMI has become the Kingdom’s first AS/EN 9100-certified additive manufacturing provider. It is currently producing qualification parts for Lockheed Martin, integrating 3D Systems’ technology into global defense supply chains. Additionally, the company continues to operate facilities in Leuven, Belgium, and Riom, France, to support NATO allies in Europe.

Following the announcement on January 5, 2026, shares of 3D Systems (DDD) rose approximately 6.5%, reflecting market optimism regarding the regulatory tailwinds and the company’s aggressive growth targets.

Sources

• 3D Systems Press Release