Stratasys Direct Joins US Department of War’s JAMA IV 3D Printing Program

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