The European Defense Agency launched a new project to examine military applications for additive manufacturing, better known as 3D printing.

According to the agency, the project aims to identify areas were additive manufacturing can be effective in enhancing defense capabilities. The effort was officially launched following a meeting held on Dec. 21.

The project will begin with a desktop study to explore potential applications, and assess 3D printing assets in Europe. Next, the agency will seek to bridge the data gap on 3D printer performance in deployed conditions, and demonstrate the utility of existing technologies.

The goal, the EDA says, will be to raise awareness for the impact of additive manufacturing on the defense industry.

To support the effort, the EDA has contracted the Prodintec Foundation and French arms manufacturer MBDA.

Lockheed Martin contracted for PAC-3 production for Qatar
Washington (UPI) Dec 28, 2016 -Lockheed Martin has received a $29.5 million contract modification to produce PAC-3 missiles for a foreign military sale to Qatar.

The modification supports Qatar's order for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles and a missile segment enhancement task order for a planned flight test.

The U.S. Department of Defense did not identify where work on the contract modification would be performed, but estimates the work will be complete by September 2021. The Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is listed as the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin markets the Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC-3, as the world's most effective air and missile defense interceptor. The solution has been sold to ten international customers, and can be deployed using THAAD launchers.