The Ministry of Defence and Defence Nuclear Enterprise announced on 25 June 2026 that the Submarine Delivery Group is using advanced and additive manufacturing to improve Royal Navy submarine availability, including deployable workshops at HMNB Clyde.
The work is being led by the Submarine Delivery Group Additive Manufacturing team, which was established within the Platform Equipment Delivery Team in February 2024. It involves the Royal Navy, QinetiQ, the SDG Design Authority and wider in-service teams.
The programme covers in-service submarines and submarine build programmes, with a focus on components that are unavailable, obsolete or subject to long lead times. It also links to the Submarine Maintenance Recovery Plan launched by the First Sea Lord in January 2026.
Submarine Delivery Group Expands Additive Manufacturing
The Submarine Delivery Group, part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, is using advanced and additive manufacturing to improve how submarine maintenance is supported. The work is intended to reduce reliance on traditional supply chains where replacement components are difficult to source within operational timescales.
The programme is being delivered with industry and Royal Navy teams, including QinetiQ and submarine engineering staff. It is also intended to build an enduring additive manufacturing industrial capability across UK submarine programmes.
- Lead team: SDG Additive Manufacturing team within the Platform Equipment Delivery Team.
- Industry role: QinetiQ supports scanning, design conversion and deployable workshop operation.
- Service role: Royal Navy ship’s staff receive training to use the capability directly.
How Additive Manufacturing Supports Submarine Repairs
Advanced manufacturing combines digital engineering, automation and additive manufacturing to produce components more efficiently. Additive manufacturing, often known as 3D printing, builds components layer by layer from a digital design file.
For submarine maintenance, the approach can include using handheld scanners to create accurate digital replicas of existing components. Those digital files can then support bespoke manufacturing, including stainless steel parts, where legal, safety and quality requirements are met.
Manufacturing Approach
| Method | Use | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld scanning | Creates digital replicas | Used on board submarines |
| Metal printing | Produces replacement parts | Includes stainless steel |
| Digital files | Guide component production | Useful for legacy parts |
Market Access Cell Manages Component Demand
The Market Access Cell manages demand signals from ship’s staff and joint planning teams when components are unavailable or lead times are too long. Once a demand signal is received, the team works with QinetiQ, the SDG Design Authority and other in-service teams to identify a suitable manufacturing route.
One method uses QinetiQ engineers with handheld scanners to capture measurements of components on board. Those measurements are converted into files that can be used to manufacture bespoke replacements, especially where no existing design file is available.
Deployable Workshops Arrive At HMNB Clyde
Shipping containers have arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde to provide an on-site additive manufacturing capability. The facility includes metal printing, scanning equipment and dedicated engineering workspace.
Two of the containers are custom-designed by QinetiQ based on requirements set by the Platform Equipment Delivery Team. QinetiQ staff will operate the facility alongside ship’s staff and the Submarine Flotilla Engineering Support Group for the first twelve months.
- Location: HM Naval Base Clyde now hosts the deployable workshops.
- Equipment: The containers include metal printing and scanning capability.
- Training: Ship’s staff are being trained to use the capability.
Programme Supports Submarine Maintenance Recovery Plan
The deployable workshops and wider additive manufacturing programme support the Submarine Maintenance Recovery Plan. The plan was launched by the First Sea Lord in January 2026 to improve submarine maintenance and availability.
By placing manufacturing capability closer to the front line, the programme supports a more responsive maintenance model. The aim is to reduce time spent waiting for parts when supply chains are too slow or when components are no longer commercially available within required timescales.
Stakeholder Comments
Royal Navy And SDG Comments
Max, Commander in the Royal Navy and SDG Additive Manufacturing Lead said;
“This capability enhances our capacity to return submarines to service faster, directly supporting operational readiness.”
“These deployable additive manufacturing workshops represent a significant advancement in how the Royal Navy supports submarine maintenance. 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.”
First Sea Lord, 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.”
AUKUS Partners Develop Shared Manufacturing Standards
Additive manufacturing is also being developed as part of the AUKUS submarine partnership. The Submarine Delivery Group is working with US and Australian submarine industrial bases on common material standards and requirements.
The aim is to enable allied nations to share advanced manufacturing equipment and recognise each other’s qualified components. The approach was demonstrated at the UK Submarine Maintenance Period at HMAS Stirling in Australia in early 2026, where additively manufactured parts were approved for use on HMS Anson.
AUKUS Manufacturing Work
| Area | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Developing standards | Supports shared requirements |
| Australia | HMAS Stirling work | Approved parts for HMS Anson |
| US | Industrial base review | Maps allied capability |
A trilateral advanced manufacturing landscape review is under way across the UK, US and Australia. The review will identify existing capability, gaps and opportunities across all three nations’ submarine programmes.
Future Development Across Submarine Programmes
The long-term ambition is for additive and advanced manufacturing to become normal practice across submarine build, in-service and disposal programmes. Future work includes qualifying higher-risk components, including hull valves, through trilateral Defence Standards.
The programme is also looking at digital design optimisation, material recycling from decommissioned submarines and training at the Royal Navy Submarine Training Centre at HMNB Clyde. The Submarine Delivery Group said additive manufacturing is intended to supplement existing supply chains rather than replace them.
The Ministry of Defence announcement shows how additive manufacturing is being applied to submarine maintenance, on-site engineering and allied industrial collaboration. The programme combines deployable workshops, digital scanning and shared standards work with AUKUS partners. Its development will be watched through submarine availability, maintenance recovery activity and the movement of qualified components into wider operational use.
Sources: Ministry of Defence and Defence Nuclear Enterprise, Submarine Delivery Group, Royal Navy, QinetiQ, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
