Martin Huber
European Defence Agency, Belgium
Additive Manufacturing – in transition to become a military capability enabler
Abstract:
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is rapidly transforming defense logistics and operational readiness by enabling agile, on-demand production and repairs. This keynote explores AM as a strategic enabler across multiple domains: from the rapid fabrication of spare parts to the development of loitering munitions, unmanned aerial systems, and specific force protection solutions. It will highlight real-world applications and emerging use cases, while also addressing the challenges of implementation—such as legal aspects, lacking standards, certification, supply chain integration, and cybersecurity. The session aims to provide a forward-looking perspective on how AM can enhance resilience, responsiveness, and the potential for innovation in defense.
Biography:
Martin Huber can look on more than 35 years being in military service. Ten years out of those years he served in multinational entities. He has been working for the European Defence Agency as a Project Officer Logistics since 2018. Martin Huber has a profoundly technical education and has started his professional career as a toolmaker apprentice. After working for Siemens Group in the mechanical engineering department as a process planner and CAD engineer, he joined the German Bundeswehr. He graduated successfully as a mechanical engineer at the University of the German Armed Forces and started his military career as a German Air Force Logistic Staff Officer. During his time in the Armed Forces, he had several deployments e.g., Afghanistan (ISAF), and several positions e.g., Head of Doctrine and Concepts at European Air Transport Command (EATC).
His area of competence is logistics and specifically maintenance and repair of military assets. Since 2019, Martin Huber is responsible for the implementation of AM technology into the Armed Forces structure. Due to his technical background and experiences, Martin Huber has an “emotional connection” to AM and considers himself an “AM Lover”.