Defense & Military
Stratasys Direct Joins US Department of War’s JAMA IV 3D Printing Program
Stratasys Direct selected for the US Department of War’s JAMA IV program to accelerate 3D-printed military parts with a $10M contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Stratasys Ltd., supplemented by industry research.
Stratasys Ltd. has announced that its contract manufacturing division, Stratasys Direct, was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of War’s (DoW) Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA) IV Pilot Parts Program. According to the company’s press release, the multimillion-dollar initiative is designed to accelerate the qualification and deployment of 3D-printed components across active military platforms and systems.
Spearheaded by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the JAMA IV program represents a critical step in the Pentagon’s efforts to modernize its supply chain. Industry research indicates that the initiative focuses on transitioning additive manufacturing from a prototyping tool to a production-scale solution for sustainment and operational resilience.
As defense budgets for digital manufacturing surge in fiscal year 2026, the selection of Stratasys Direct underscores the growing reliance on established additive manufacturing contractors to keep mission-critical systems operational and combat part obsolescence.
The JAMA IV Pilot Parts Program
Combating Supply Chain Shortages
The JAMA IV Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Pilot Parts Program is managed by the DLA, which serves as the Pentagon’s primary provider of combat logistics support. According to supplementary industry research, the program’s core objective is to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) for aging military fleets. The firm-fixed-price IDIQ contracts carry a maximum shared value of approximately $9.8 million to $10 million. The base period for the contract runs through February 24, 2027, and includes four additional one-year option periods.
Operational Mechanics and Materials
Under the JAMA IV framework, the DLA provides approved 3D printing vendors with Technical Data Packages (TDPs) for certified military parts. Suppliers then bid for specific task orders through the Defense Department’s Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). Industry data shows that the program covers a wide array of metal and polymer components, utilizing materials such as 17-4PH and 316L Stainless Steel, AlSi10Mg, Copper Nickel, Cobalt-Chromium, Polyetherimide (PEI), ABS, and Nylon 12. Initial task orders reportedly include plastic intake caps, pressurized door seals, and boresights for the M320 grenade launcher.
Stratasys Direct’s Expanding Defense Footprint
Proven ROI and Production Scale
Stratasys Direct currently operates as a Program of Record for both the U.S. Air Force and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). The company noted in its press release that it already ships over 100,000 parts annually to the defense industry. To meet the rigorous demands of military contracts, Stratasys Direct maintains strict certified quality systems, including AS9100, ISO 9001, CMMC compliance, and ITAR adherence.
The operational benefits of these additive manufacturing solutions are already measurable. For example, Stratasys highlighted its work with the U.S. Air Force’s C-17 fleet, where 3D-printed microvanes are used to improve aerodynamic efficiency. According to the company, these components help save an estimated $14 million in annual fuel costs while significantly reducing lead times for replacement parts.
“In 2025, Stratasys saw double-digit annual revenue growth from aerospace and defense, demonstrating that additive manufacturing is becoming a key capability for defense sustainment and supply chain resilience,” said Foster Ferguson, Vice President of the Industrial Business Unit at Stratasys.
Ferguson further noted that programs like JAMA will accelerate the qualification process, allowing defense organizations to deploy critical components faster across operational platforms.
Broader Industry Implications and Budget Surges
A $3.3 Billion Commitment
The U.S. military is significantly increasing its financial commitment to 3D printing technologies. According to industry research, the DoW’s fiscal year 2026 budget request allocates $3.3 billion across 16 projects featuring additive manufacturing. This represents an 83% increase from the $1.8 billion approved in fiscal year 2025, reflecting a strategic mandate to localize production and reduce single-source supplier risks.
A Competitive Ecosystem
Stratasys is not the sole beneficiary of this initiative. The DLA awarded JAMA IV contracts to a pool of 24 participating manufacturers to ensure a resilient and competitive supply base. Other notable awardees include Velo3D, Applied Rapid Technologies (ART), General Electric (Colibrium Additive), Relativity Space, and Sintavia.
Executives from other participating firms echoed the strategic importance of the program. Dr. Arun Jeldi, Chief Executive Officer of Velo3D, highlighted the technology’s impact on military logistics.
“Additive manufacturing provides the Department of Defense with a powerful tool to improve supply chain responsiveness and mitigate risk in maintaining operational readiness,” Jeldi stated.
Similarly, Jim Wiley, President and Co-Founder of Obsidian Solutions Group (parent company of ART), emphasized the honor of partnering with the DLA to deliver “high-quality, on-demand components to the warfighter.”
AirPro News analysis
The awarding of the JAMA IV contracts marks a definitive maturation point for additive manufacturing within the defense sector. Historically, 3D printing was viewed by military procurement officers as an “aspirational” technology, largely relegated to rapid prototyping or non-essential tooling. The shift toward producing flight-safety-critical and mission-essential parts at scale indicates that the technology has finally met the Pentagon’s stringent durability and repeatability standards.
Furthermore, by distributing the $10 million shared contract ceiling across 24 different manufacturers, the Defense Logistics Agency is actively avoiding the creation of new single-source bottlenecks. As global geopolitical tensions continue to expose vulnerabilities in traditional, centralized manufacturing supply chains, we expect the Department of War to increasingly rely on distributed, digital manufacturing networks to maintain fleet readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the JAMA IV Pilot Parts Program?
The Joint Additive Manufacturing Acceptability (JAMA) IV Pilot Parts Program is a U.S. Defense Logistics Agency initiative designed to accelerate the qualification and deployment of 3D-printed replacement parts for active military platforms, helping to combat supply chain shortages.
How much is the U.S. military investing in additive manufacturing?
According to industry research, the Department of War’s fiscal year 2026 budget request includes $3.3 billion for additive manufacturing projects, an 83% increase from the previous fiscal year.
What types of parts is Stratasys printing for the military?
Stratasys produces a variety of components, including 3D-printed microvanes for the U.S. Air Force’s C-17 fleet, which improve aerodynamic efficiency and save an estimated $14 million annually in fuel costs. The JAMA IV program will also include parts like intake caps, door seals, and weapon boresights.
Sources
- Stratasys Ltd. Press Release
- Industry Research Report
Photo Credit: US Air Force – C-17 Globemaster III
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Bombardier Defense Signs 10-Year Support Deal With Sweden
Bombardier Defense and FMV finalized a 10-year support agreement for Sweden’s two Global 6500 TP 106 military transport aircraft.
Bombardier Defense and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) finalized a 10-year Services Support Agreement on July 22, 2026, securing long-term maintenance and operational readiness for Sweden’s newly acquired fleet of two Global 6500 transport aircraft.
Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in a company press release, the agreement enrolls the Swedish Armed Forces (SWEAF) in Bombardier’s Smart Services Defense program. The comprehensive support package covers parts, labor, and engineering expertise for the aircraft, which are designated as the TP 106 in Swedish military service and replace the nation’s aging Gulfstream IV and Gulfstream G550 head-of-state transport fleet.
Fleet modernization and delivery timeline
The targeted acquisition deal for the two aircraft was valued at SEK 1.1 billion ($113 million) and formalized in May 2025, according to reporting by Aviation International News. The rapid procurement was enabled by utilizing existing airframes previously operated in Bombardier’s demonstration fleet, which were subsequently modified to meet Swedish Military-Aircraft requirements.
The formal handover of the aircraft took place on June 1, 2026, at the Uppland Wing F 16, as reported by Nordic Defence Sector. The aircraft will be operated by the 75th Swedish Civil Aviation Squadron at Skaraborg’s F7 Air Fleet, based at Stockholm Arlanda Airports (ARN), primarily conducting VIP and head-of-state transport missions.
Smart Services Defense and operational commonality
The 10-year agreement provides comprehensive cost coverage and logistical support for the new fleet. Bombardier stated the program includes landing gear and auxiliary power unit maintenance, ground support equipment, technical assistance, and access to mobile response teams.
Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Aftermarket Services, noted the program provides seamless original equipment OEMs support for the Swedish military.
“Through our Smart Services Defense program, the Swedish Armed Forces will benefit from seamless OEM support, enhanced readiness and predictable lifestyle costs, giving them the confidence to stay focused on the mission while we support their aircraft every step of the way,” Sislian said.
The selection of the Global 6500 platform offers strategic maintenance and operational commonality with Sweden’s incoming airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The Swedish Armed Forces are procuring the Saab GlobalEye, designated the S 106, which is also built upon the Bombardier Global aircraft family architecture.
AirPro News analysis
The 10-year support agreement underscores a growing trend among defense ministries to rely on commercial OEMs for turnkey lifecycle support rather than developing bespoke military maintenance pipelines for commercial derivative aircraft. By aligning the TP 106 VIP transport fleet with the underlying platform of the S 106 GlobalEye, the Swedish Armed Forces are establishing a unified logistical footprint. We view this procurement Strategy as a highly efficient approach to fleet modernization, reducing training burdens for maintenance personnel and ensuring higher dispatch reliability through Bombardier’s established global civilian support network.
Sources: Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
Defense & Military
EU Funds SHARP Project for Next-Gen Military Helicopter Engine
The EU allocated €25M to the SHARP consortium, 25 partners from 12 countries developing Europe’s next military helicopter engine by 2040.
The European Commission has allocated approximately €25 million through the European Defence Fund to back a multinational consortium developing the propulsion architecture for Europe’s next generation of military helicopters.
Announced on June 11, 2026, at the ILA Berlin airshow, the Sovereign High-performance Architecture for Rotorcraft Propulsion (SHARP) project brings together 25 partners from 12 European countries. According to a joint press release from Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero, the initiative will establish the technological foundation for the European Next Generation Helicopter Engine (ENGHE), which is targeted to enter service in 2040.
Addressing an aging military rotorcraft fleet
The SHARP initiative aligns with broader European defense goals to replace a rapidly aging fleet of military aircraft under the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) programs. The current European inventory includes approximately 1,800 transport helicopters and 600 combat helicopters, which currently average 20 years of age. By the 2040s, many of these aircraft will have been in service for over 50 years.
“In light of a continuously aging European fleet of military helicopters the need is obvious: From 2040 onwards, a large proportion of these rotorcraft will have to be replaced,” said Dr. Ottmar Pfänder, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines. “We joined forces across the continent to underline the importance of this technology program. It will further reinforce European sovereignty and strengthen the European supply chain.”
The funding will be used to develop scalable technological building blocks that can be adapted to various weight classes and mission profiles required by future European armed forces.
Collaborative framework and European sovereignty
The SHARP project builds upon the foundation of the EUropean Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance (EURA), a 50/50 joint venture established in July 2024 between Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines specifically to develop the ENGHE. The consortium has now expanded to include Avio Aero, broadening the industrial base tasked with designing the new powerplant.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet stated that the funding demonstrates Europe’s commitment to self-reliance and technological sovereignty for future military platforms, thanking the European Union and participating nations for their confidence in the consortium’s capabilities.
“SHARP marks an important milestone in the journey toward Europe’s next-generation rotorcraft engine and reinforces the value of collaboration in developing sovereign, high-performance propulsion technologies,” said Riccardo Procacci, CEO of Avio Aero. “We are proud to partner with EURA on this initiative, contributing within a fully European framework while leveraging Avio Aero’s well-established expertise and know-how.”
EURA CEO Wolfgang Gärtner confirmed that the joint venture is prepared to coordinate the multinational team to provide modern technologies to European forces.
AirPro News analysis
The €25 million European Defence Fund grant represents a critical early step in aligning Europe’s fragmented defense aerospace sector behind a single rotorcraft propulsion program. By formalizing the SHARP consortium now, the European Union is actively working to prevent the development of competing, incompatible national engine programs that have historically complicated European defense procurement and increased long-term maintenance costs. We view the inclusion of Avio Aero alongside the EURA joint venture as a strong indicator that the ENGHE program is successfully consolidating the continent’s primary propulsion manufacturers ahead of the 2040 target.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
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