A brigade from the People’s Liberation Army’s Northern Theatre Command Air Force successfully demonstrated innovative remote 3D printing of parts and drone delivery capabilities for battlefield applications. This development, called as the remote maintenance system, represents a significant advancement in battlefield equipment maintenance and support operations.
According to PLA Daily, the new system combines remote diagnostics, additive manufacturing, and autonomous delivery solutions to allow for rapid equipment repair and part replacement. During the demonstration, maintenance teams successfully used 3D printing technology to create replacement parts at the back, which were then delivered to frontline locations by unmanned aerial vehicles.
Remote 3D printing of parts
The exercise demonstrated the system’s capabilities using a simulated battlefield scenario involving a damaged missile-launching vehicle. The demonstration highlighted a few key features:
- Vehicle operators and remote maintenance technicians can communicate wirelessly in real time.
- Digital transmission of 3D blueprints for equipment repair.
- Remote-guided maintenance procedures.
- Integration of drone delivery systems for component distribution.
“This type of remote maintenance can quickly ensure equipment support on the battlefield, which is a very good thing. Drone delivery of 3D printed parts offers an efficient solution to battlefield maintenance challenges.”
– Song Zhongping, a military expert and former PLA instructor
Battlefield Applications and Limitations

While the system shows promise for battlefield support operations, experts point out some practical considerations. Yue Gang, a retired PLA colonel, explained that while 3D printing technology can help with some maintenance issues, its application may be limited to less complex equipment components.
“Troops on the battlefield cannot possibly bring all the parts they need for their equipment,” Yue stated, emphasising the potential cost-effectiveness of 3D printing versus traditional supply chain solutions for replacement parts.
The demonstration builds on previous PLA developments, including a remote maintenance system created by the PLA Rocket Force in 2021. This latest exercise demonstrates continued advancements in the military’s remote maintenance capabilities.
USA Military Tactics
The US military has been actively implementing similar remote maintenance tactics, particularly to aid Ukraine’s defence efforts. According to Defence News, the US military set up remote maintenance support operations in Poland to help Ukrainian frontline soldiers repair damaged weapons during the ongoing conflict with Russia. This strategic approach has allowed for ongoing technical support without requiring direct presence in the combat zone.
The success of this remote maintenance strategy has prompted the US military to consider expanding these capabilities into the Indo-Pacific theatre. A senior general quoted in Defence News emphasised the importance of this approach, saying, “It has been a great enabler of the warfight in Ukraine. It’s one of the game changers.”
This remote support system exemplifies the growing importance of distance maintenance capabilities in contemporary military operations.
Recommendations for India Armed Forces
Brigadier Mandeep Singh (Retd), in his paper titled, “3D Printing: Opportunities for the Indian Armed Forces” recommends that the Indian Armed Forces should plan a comprehensive deployment of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology across various command levels, with a structured approach to implementation based on operational requirements and capabilities.
Hierarchical Distribution Strategy
The proposed implementation plan outlines a tiered distribution of 3D printing capabilities:
- Brigade, Unit, and Subunit Level: Deployment of cost-effective FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), SLA (Stereolithography), and FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) printers
- Divisional and Corps Workshops: Equipment with SLM (Selective Laser Melting) metal printing capabilities
- Base Workshops: Installation of heavy-duty metal printing systems
Technical Support and Education Framework
The strategy emphasizes several key support elements:
- Technical Groups at Service HQ to provide oversight and design expertise
- DRDO involvement in research and development of new AM technologies
- Integration of AM education in military training, particularly at pre-commissioning levels
- Development of field-transportable systems for Corps and lower formations
- Vehicle-mounted or container-based solutions for larger systems
The initiative aims to streamline the implementation process, suggesting that the reduced cost of AM systems now allows for local-level induction within an established policy framework, potentially bypassing lengthy bureaucratic procedures.
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