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Firestorm Labs 3D-prints 12 drones aboard USS Essex without shore resupply
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Defense technology company Firestorm Labs successfully 3D-printed 12 Squall first-person view drones and over 1,000 parts aboard the USS Essex using a containerized microfactory called xCell. The operation occurred during the ship's transit to RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii, demonstrating the ability to produce unmanned aerial systems and spare parts at sea without relying on shore resupply. Despite 12-foot waves, service members assembled the drones, which were later flown as adversary aircraft in a counter-drone exercise. The effort supports the Navy's containerized capability campaign plan announced by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle, aiming to deploy transportable containers housing defense capabilities globally. The Pentagon also recently launched the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions program, signing framework agreements with defense firms for over 10,000 containerized missiles starting in 2027.
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 deploying easily built autonomous technology to rapidly enhance a warship's 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 as it transited toward 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 created the xCell as a factory-in-a-box that can be deployed aboard U.S. Navy vessels to produce unmanned aerial systems and spare parts for expeditionary warfare.
Operations at Sea
- Despite waves as high as 12 feet crashing against the ship, service members assembled drones that were later flown as adversary aircraft during a counter-drone exercise at RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii.
- Service members also printed mechanical test components to assess the efficacy of the 3D printer used for drone production.
- They fabricated military repair parts needed by USS Essex crew members.
Broader Defense Context
The Defense Department — and the Navy in particular — is focused on building modular payload capabilities that can deliver mission-ready assets.
- March 2026: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle announced the "containerized capability campaign plan" at the McAleese Defense Programs conference, outlining a vision for transportable containers housing drones and weapons that can be deployed to any region in the world.
- May 2026: The Pentagon announced framework agreements with defense companies 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, where he contributed to the Abused by the Badge investigation.
Source
Military TimesWestern
Part of this Story
U.S. Navy 3D-prints drones aboard USS Essex during RIMPAC transit