Firestorm Labs 3D-prints 12 drones aboard USS Essex without shore resupply

Published Aug 5, 11:14 PM UTC

Firestorm Labs successfully 3D-printed 12 Squall first-person view drones and over 1,000 parts aboard the USS Essex using its containerized xCell microfactory during the ship's transit to RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii. The operation, conducted in rough seas with 12-foot waves, demonstrated the ability to produce unmanned aerial systems and repair parts at sea without relying on shore resupply. The drones were later flown as adversary aircraft in a counter-drone exercise at RIMPAC. This effort aligns with the Navy's containerized capability campaign plan announced by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, which aims to deploy transportable containers housing defense capabilities globally. The Pentagon also recently signed framework agreements for containerized missiles under the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions program.