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Firestorm Labs 3D-prints 12 drones aboard USS Essex without shore resupply
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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.
Source report
A defense technology company has successfully produced 3D-printed drones aboard a U.S. Navy ship at sea using a containerized microfactory, advancing the Navy's goal of rapidly deploying autonomous systems to enhance warship weapons capacity.
Firestorm Labs manufactured more than 1,000 parts and 12 of its proprietary 3D-printable first-person view Squall drones aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex during its transit to RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii, according to a company release.
"Every part xCell printed on deck is one that doesn’t need to be flown or shipped across contested waters — cutting the fuel, aircraft hours, and personnel it takes to keep a ship operational," a social media release stated. "Repairs that once meant days or weeks waiting on a resupply run can now happen in hours, on station."
The xCell Microfactory
Firestorm Labs developed the xCell as a "factory-in-a-box" system deployable aboard U.S. Navy vessels to produce unmanned aerial systems and spare parts for expeditionary warfare.
Despite waves reaching 12 feet against the ship, service members assembled drones that were later flown as adversary aircraft during a counter-drone exercise at RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii.
Crew members also:
- Printed mechanical test components to assess the 3D printer's efficacy for drone production
- Fabricated military repair parts needed aboard the USS Essex
Navy's Containerized Capability Push
The Department of Defense, particularly the Navy, is focused on developing modular payload capabilities that deliver mission-ready assets.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle announced the "containerized capability campaign plan" in March at the McAleese Defense Programs conference, outlining a vision for transportable containers housing drones and weapons that can be deployed to any region worldwide.
In May, the Pentagon announced framework agreements with defense firms Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5 to acquire more than 10,000 containerized missiles over three years beginning in 2027, signaling the launch of the "Low-Cost Containerized Munitions (LCCM) program."
About the Author
Riley Ceder is a reporter at Military Times, covering breaking news, criminal justice, investigations, and cyber. He previously worked as an investigative practicum student at The Washington Post, contributing to the "Abused by the Badge" investigation.
Source
Military TimesWestern
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U.S. Navy 3D-prints drones aboard USS Essex during RIMPAC transit