FLEETWERX and NPS CAMRE field test distributed manufacturing pipeline for military operations
Exercise at Camp Roberts puts additive manufacturing, autonomous logistics and AI-enabled tasking through a full-cycle trial ahead of RIMPAC 2026
FLEETWERX, working alongside the Naval Postgraduate School’s Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (NPS CAMRE), is currently running FLEET-X, a live operational exercise at Camp Roberts during the Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) 26-3 event, which draws to a close tomorrow (May 15).
The exercise is designed to test whether military units could identify a part requirement, manufacture the component using distributed production systems and deliver it to the point of need in real time, all as part of a broader preparation effort ahead of RIMPAC 2026.
From request to delivery
The exercise runs participants through a complete production cycle, from the identification of a part requirement through digital file preparation, software tools that direct the request to the appropriate manufacturing partner, component production and unmanned systems that carry it across the test range.
The goal is to assess how well manufacturing, AI-enabled decision support, autonomous delivery and operational feedback could function as a single connected system, rather than a series of separate demonstrations.
“This is about production flexibility, speed and effective system management,” said Ethan Brown, Program Manager at FLEETWERX. “When parts fail, they can take larger systems out of service. FLEET-X is designed to show how industry partners, software tools and unmanned systems can help reduce part production lead times and move useful capability closer to the point of need.”
Industry partners put to the test
A range of companies is covering distinct segments of the production and delivery chain. Re:3D, Fieldmade, ADDiTEC, CEAD and Snowbird Technologies each contribute additive and hybrid manufacturing capabilities spanning polymer, metal and composite production.
On the logistics side, Splash Industries provides unmanned surface vessels to transport finished parts, while HavocAI contributes autonomous delivery platforms. 3YourMind and Avathon supply AI-enabled tools for part assignment and workflow visibility, and DINA — the Defense Innovation Navigation Assistant — captures exercise data to identify what works and what needs refinement.
“Making a part is only part of the challenge,” said Chris Curran, Program Manager at CAMRE. “FLEET-X gives us a practical way to understand how advanced manufacturing, AI-enabled workflow tools and autonomous delivery systems perform together in field conditions, and what needs to improve before those capabilities are used at larger exercises and in real operations. Using these tools, we can produce quality parts that solve warfighter requirements rapidly until the traditional supply system can be utilized.”
The US Navy held its flagship Fleet experimentation exercise, Trident Warrior 2025, last November.
