UK Ministry of Defence Investigates Use of Chinese 3D Printers in Military Drills
The UK Defence Secretary has initiated an investigation into the use of Bambu Lab 3D printers for drone production during military exercises in Kenya. Concerns focus on potential data security risks linked to China's National Intelligence Law and the impact of budget constraints on procurement decisions.
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An internal investigation is underway regarding the British Army's use of Bambu Lab FDM 3D printers for producing FPV attack drones during a military exercise, Bull Storm, conducted in May 2025 in Kenya. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is assessing the security implications of utilizing cloud-connected additive manufacturing in operational settings, particularly under the influence of China's National Intelligence Law, which may compel data sharing with the government.
The financial strain on the MoD, marked by a £2.5 million budget shortfall, raises questions about the prioritization of cost over security in procurement. The Army's additive manufacturing program is not under review, but scrutiny of procurement processes related to data security is essential, especially given past controversies regarding Bambu Lab's funding sources.
This investigation will gauge the adequacy of existing security measures for cloud-based manufacturing in defense applications. The outcome may influence future decisions about integrating cheaper foreign hardware into military operations.
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