S. 2214: Future of Defense Manufacturing Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Future of Defense Manufacturing Act of 2025, aims to enhance the innovation and manufacturing capabilities within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the defense industrial base. It includes several key provisions and initiatives focused on advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly additive manufacturing (commonly referred to as 3D printing). Here's a breakdown of the main features of the bill:

Prohibition on Foreign-Made Additive Manufacturing Machines

The bill prohibits the DoD from operating or procuring additive manufacturing machines and systems if they are made in certain foreign countries—specifically China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia—or if they use software, network connectivity, or data storage that is tied to entities in those countries. There are exceptions for testing, analysis, and training related to intelligence and warfare operations. The Secretary of Defense can issue waivers to this prohibition in specific cases deemed critical to national interest.

Demonstration and Prototyping Program Enhancements

The bill amends existing law to support the creation of advanced, commercial digital manufacturing facilities. These facilities will aid in rapid production of parts closer to their points of use, improving logistics and operational efficiency.

Advanced Manufacturing Hubs

The Secretary of Defense will establish dual-use advanced manufacturing hubs. These hubs will connect resources from the public and private sectors, academia, and other agencies to advance manufacturing capabilities from prototyping to actual field deployment. They will facilitate shared infrastructure, such as high-speed printers and testing labs, and aim to meet production benchmarks for defense applications.

Department of Defense Advanced Manufacturing Program

The bill sets a goal for the DoD to qualify and approve at least 1,000,000 parts or components made using advanced manufacturing techniques by the end of 2027. This includes streamlined processes for adopting advanced manufacturing products across various phases of defense projects.

Programs for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

A specific program will certify materials and processes for manufacturing a substantial portion of parts for different categories of unmanned aerial systems using additive manufacturing techniques.

Replacement Parts for Military Systems

The bill mandates a program to produce replacement parts for military systems that face diminishing sources and material shortages. It requires selecting specific parts for testing and certifying their additively manufactured replacements.

Metal Parts Additive Manufacturing Program

A separate program will focus on additively manufacturing commonly used metal parts, and an assessment will explore the feasibility of producing 10 different metal parts for each military branch.

Training and Education

The bill emphasizes the importance of training military personnel in advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies. It will outline required training programs and consider partnerships to aid in skill development for both military and civilian applications.

Guidance on Advanced Manufacturing

The Secretary of Defense is tasked with developing guidance to integrate advanced manufacturing innovations. This involves updating existing regulations and producing a manual detailing standards and processes required for qualifying manufactured parts. Additionally, the guidance will address issues such as cybersecurity, quality assurance, and intellectual property management.

International Collaboration

The bill establishes a working group to facilitate international collaboration in advanced manufacturing, focusing on information sharing and joint research opportunities with countries that have security agreements with the U.S.

Relevant Companies

• BA - Boeing: As a major defense contractor, changes in manufacturing regulations could significantly impact their production processes for military systems.
• RTX - Raytheon Technologies: Involvement in defense manufacturing means potential adjustments in their operations and supply chain management.
• LMT - Lockheed Martin: This company may need to adapt to new regulations and processes related to additive manufacturing and procurement limitations.
• GD - General Dynamics: As a key player in defense technologies, they may be affected by new compliance standards and manufacturing requirements.