viernes, 5 de mayo de 2017

Additive Manufacturing in Hybrid Warfare: Challenges and Opportunities


In recent years, Hybrid Warfare has become increasingly widespread, comprising various conventional and nonconventional means of warfare, as well as non-military options. While technological progress will generate more opportunities, it can also bring about new threats. Advancements in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing and nano-materials have not only shortened the product development cycle but have also given rise to a whole range of low-cost, yet effective military options. For example: In the past, skilled machinists with high-quality machine tools were required to manufacture Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs). However, in the last few years, Additive Manufacturing has advanced to the point where such EFPs could be ‘printed’.