As part of UNIDIR’s Science and Technology Watchtower project, this technology briefing will launch a new primer on additive manufacturing of conventional military equipment and its implications for arms control and international security.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is playing an increasingly important role in defence and military contexts, with major implications for conventional arms production, arms control and international security. While additive manufacturing is not new, recent advances in machine capabilities and lower production costs have accelerated its integration into military supply chains, operational environments and industrial production.
As a dual-use cyber-physical technology, additive manufacturing offers strategic advantages but also creates new risks of proliferation and diversion. These risks require closer attention from policymakers and the arms control community.
This event will examine how international instruments address the risks posed by additive manufacturing. Specifically, speakers will explore the role of export control mechanisms in regulating access to this technology, as well as the Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons and how it addresses the illicit trade of these weapons in their 3D-printed form.
Agenda
Opening remarks
- Klemen Polak, Head of Political Section for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, EU Delegation to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva
Presentation on additive manufacturing
- Sarah Grand-Clément, Senior Researcher, Conventional Weapons Programme and Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
Speakers
- Claudio Medeiros Leopoldino, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Brazil to the Conference on Disarmament
- Rueben Dass, Senior Analyst, International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, S. Rajatnaram School of International Studies
Moderated by Dr Giacomo Persi Paoli, Head, Security and Technology Programme, UNIDIR
When and where
Thursday, 21 May 2026 | 13:15 to 14:30 CEST | Online.
Check your local time here.
RSVP
Registration is mandatory, please register here.
Access to the event will be shared one day prior to the session.
Further information
For questions, please contact sectec-unidir@un.org.
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