Background
Drones have become a staple of modern warfare due to their low cost, small size, and versatility for reconnaissance or strike missions. However, supplying and maintaining them in remote or rapidly shifting combat zones remains a logistical challenge.
Exercise Bull Storm and 3D‑Printing
During the large‑scale training exercise in Kenya, 1,200 British soldiers from 11 Brigade faced harsh terrain that demanded self‑sufficiency. Major Steve Watts of the 3rd Battalion secured special‑purpose clearance from the Military Aviation Authority to design, print, and fly drones on‑site.
A single drone required roughly 3.5 hours to print plus an additional hour for assembly. Five experimental drones were produced during the exercise, marking what Watts believes to be the first instance of a British unit building its own combat drones in the field.
Cost and Production
- Commercially produced equivalent model: ≈ $2,630 each.
- 3D‑printed prototype used in Bull Storm: ≈ $525 each.
- Printers employed were Bambu Labs units mounted beside a camouflaged Land Rover “base”.
The low‑budget setup demonstrates scalability for larger deployments, potentially allowing units to manufacture drones on demand.
Implications for Future Warfare
On‑the‑fly drone production could transform battlefield logistics by reducing dependence on distant supply chains. In 2026, the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, after training Ukrainian forces under Operation Interflex, began using a dedicated British drone hub. By January 2026 the hub delivered its first complete drone shell, signalling a shift toward institutionalised in‑theater manufacturing.
Lessons from Ukraine
Ukraine’s extensive use of 3D‑printed drones—both front‑line and factory‑based—has shown how rapid design iteration and mission‑specific customization can give smaller forces a strategic edge. The British experiment mirrors this approach, aiming to blend Ukrainian ingenuity with UK resources.