QinetiQ installs dockside additive manufacturing facility at Royal Navy submarine base
New onsite AM capability at HM Naval Base Clyde aims to cut component lead times for the Royal Navy's submarine fleet, with QinetiQ operating point-of-need manufacturing dockside
Defense technology company QinetiQ has established an additive manufacturing facility at HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane, Scotland, designed to produce submarine components on demand and deliver them dockside to vessels undergoing maintenance.
The setup was delivered through two contracts with the Submarine Delivery Group (SDG)’s additive manufacturing team. It comprises the Additive Manufacturing All In One (AIO) solution — described as a UK sovereign point-of-need capability — and a Market Access Cell (MAC). Together, the two elements enable submarine parts to be manufactured on-site to order by QinetiQ staff and Royal Navy submariners.
More complex components requiring reverse engineering will be produced through an accredited network of UK-based additive and advanced manufacturing SMEs, drawing on expertise from sectors including Formula 1.
Will Blamey, Chief Executive, UK Defense, QinetiQ, said: “Our proven expertise in additive manufacturing combined with the latest technology being installed at HM Naval Base Clyde will see us print, scan and reverse engineer submarine parts on demand, at pace and at dockside, helping to get submarines back on operations more quickly.”
Paul Duff, Associate Materials Scientist, QinetiQ, said: “Working in the Additive Manufacturing All-in-One facility alongside Royal Navy personnel will provide us with an incredible opportunity to show how additive manufacturing can transform routine submarine maintenance. It’s been very rewarding to see the facility come together in Farnborough and even more exciting to see it now deployed at HMNB Clyde.”
Fitting into the broader recovery plan
The Clyde facility forms part of the Submarine Maintenance Recovery Plan (SMRP), which First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins launched in January 2026.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said: “The arrival of these deployable workshops marks a step forward in delivering the Submarine Maintenance Recovery Plan. This new technology has the potential to change how we maintain our submarines – cutting time alongside and increasing availability. It represents the real, tangible, progress the Royal Navy is making to strengthen the underwater fleet.”
Commander Max, SDG Additive Manufacturing Lead, said: “By enabling engineers to produce components on-site, we are reducing dependence on complex supply chains and accelerating repair timelines, ultimately improving the submarine’s material state and availability.”
Prior deployment demonstrates speed gains
QinetiQ’s capacity in this area was demonstrated earlier in 2026, when the company supported a routine maintenance period for HMS Anson during a visit to Perth, Australia. Required critical components were designed and manufactured in four weeks — significantly faster than standard supply chain timelines.
