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National Additive Manufacturing and Innovation Company (NAMI) has partnered with US defense firm Lockheed Martin to begin producing 3D printed parts for the aerospace and defense (aerodef) sector in Saudi Arabia.
In its first phase, the project will focus on aluminum components that must undergo qualification testing before they can be cleared for use in the defense firm’s global supply chain.
By introducing advanced manufacturing into Saudi Arabia, the partnership also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes building and localizing defense industries. Locating production inside the Kingdom gives NAMI an entry point into the international aerodef market, while Lockheed Martin benefits from a stronger and more diversified supply base.
In a press release, Brig. Gen. Joseph Rank (U.S. Army, Ret.), Chief Executive for Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia and Africa said, “Our partnership with NAMI is a significant milestone in our localization efforts, and we’re proud to work together to advance the Kingdom’s additive manufacturing capabilities while supporting job creation and economic prosperity in both nations.”
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 industry developments
While defense localization is a vital pillar of Vision 2030, the plan also sets wider goals that go beyond the military, calling for growth in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, aerospace, mining, automotive and digital technologies. The government wants to grow these sectors not just to diversify the economy but also to build export capacity and generate skilled jobs.
In line with this, NAMI partnered with Saudi Electricity Company to develop a digital spare parts inventory powered by advanced 3D Systems’ 3D printers such as the DMP Factory 500, DMP Flex 350 Dual and SLS 380. By combining metal and polymer AM, the project aims to produce replacement components more quickly while reducing the need for large storage facilities.
It will also explore “NoSupports” printing techniques to streamline production and lower costs. Through this approach, the two sides seek to strengthen supply chain reliability, extend the life of equipment and support Vision 2030’s push for advanced manufacturing in the energy sector.
In a recent interview, California-based aerospace company Joby Aviation signaled its expansion into the Middle East through an MoU with Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) that covers the potential delivery of up to 200 aircraft worth about $1 billion.
The agreement also includes plans for pilot training and maintenance infrastructure, with local production still under consideration. Aligned with Vision 2030, the partnership aims to advance new mobility solutions while creating high-skill jobs in the region.
Additive manufacturing in aerodef sector
3D printing in aerospace, space, and defense has shifted from proving feasibility to industrial deployment, with governments funding it at scale, certification bodies embedding it in supply chains, and defense budgets driving rapid adoption.
For instance, Honeywell is leading Project STRATA, a £14.1 million UK Government-backed effort to use 3D printing in the production of aerospace parts for Environmental Control and Cabin Pressure Control Systems. Funded through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, the project seeks to strengthen Britain’s aircraft supply chain while cutting CO2 emissions in aviation.
From its Yeovil facility, Honeywell is working with 3T Additive Manufacturing, BeyondMath, Qdot Technology and the Oxford Thermofluids Institute (OTI) to merge metal AM with AI-driven modeling. Together, the consortium is developing five components designed to lower fuel consumption, reduce waste and improve aircraft efficiency.
Elsewhere, Maryland-based nonprofit Applied Science & Technology Research Organization (ASTRO) America is working on the $40 million Guam Additive Materials and Manufacturing Accelerator (GAMMA) project to establish an 8,000 sq. ft. 3D printing facility for the U.S. Navy.
Scheduled to open by April 2026, the center will use polymer 3D printers, directed energy deposition (DED), and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) to produce replacement parts for ships and submarines stationed in the Western Pacific. By reducing wait times for critical components from as long as two years to just two weeks, GAMMA aims to boost naval readiness, cut maintenance delays, and support local workforce development through training and education partnerships.
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Featured image shows NAMI and Lockheed Martin partnership banner. Image via NAMI.
