War has always been a catalyst for technological progress, and today this process is especially noticeable in the field of building defensive structures. Given the changing front lines, the massive use of drones and artillery, the military needs shelters that can be quickly erected even in a combat zone. This is precisely why 3D printing is increasingly being used in construction - a technology that has already proven its effectiveness in civilian construction.
Construction 3D printing works by layering a special concrete mixture according to a digital model. This process minimizes human involvement, speeds up construction, and makes construction independent of traditional methods that require a lot of equipment.
French company Constructions-3D has become one of the leaders in this field. Its 2.7-ton MaxiPrinter construction printer uses Termix 3D concrete mix, designed to work in extreme conditions. During joint tests with the French army (STAT unit), the printer printed a long-term firing point in one day in fully autonomous mode.
The experiment proved that the system is capable of creating not only defensive structures, but also shelters for equipment, command posts, and other elements of fortifications. If necessary, the structures can be additionally strengthened with reinforcement, metal plates, or reinforced concrete.
The advantages of 3D printing on the battlefield are obvious:
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construction lasts from several hours to one day;
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the system operates autonomously, without significant human involvement;
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structures can be adapted to specific conditions;
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the need for transportation of finished blocks or concrete structures is reduced.
In the future, 3D printing for construction could become the basis of a new engineering doctrine — fast, mobile, and digital fortification. With the development of materials capable of absorbing radio waves or providing thermal insulation, such systems will allow for the creation of a new generation of shelters — resistant to artillery fire, explosions, and even FPV drone strikes.
