Editor’s Note
The Indian Army’s successful trial of 3D-printed structures at forward posts marks a significant step in modernizing border infrastructure. This innovation promises greater resilience in extreme conditions while reducing both construction time and cost, highlighting a strategic shift toward advanced, efficient solutions for national security.
The Indian Army is taking every possible step to strengthen the security of the country’s borders. In this sequence, the army has successfully trialed 3D printed structures at some forward posts. These structures were found to be stable even in difficult conditions like heavy snowfall, high winds, and seismic activity. Compared to traditional construction, 3D printing takes less time and reduces costs.
For the first time in the country, in a major step towards rapidly strengthening infrastructure on the borders of Sikkim, the Indian Army has successfully commenced the operation of on-site 3D concrete printing technology in forward areas. The Trishakti Corps has utilized this state-of-the-art technology with actual deployment on forward fronts in Sikkim and adjoining areas. This step has been made possible under the joint project ‘Prabal’ (Portable Robotic Printer for Printing Bunkers and Accessories) of the Indian Army and IIT Hyderabad. This is a completely indigenous technology.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat in Guwahati stated that the army has successfully trialed 3D printed structures at some forward posts. In difficult conditions like heavy snowfall, high winds, and seismic activity, these structures were found to be stable. Compared to traditional construction, 3D printing takes less time and reduces costs. According to the officer, bunkers, posts, and storage units prepared using 3D printing will not only be more durable but will also provide better protection to soldiers. The ability to erect structures immediately in emergency situations—such as firing, infiltration, or natural disasters—will give the army a significant strategic advantage. Experts believe that in the coming times, this technology will play an important role in meeting the requirements of the ‘future battlefield’. The army’s effort is to soon accelerate construction work using this technology on most sensitive fronts in border areas.
This indigenous robotic 3D concrete printer is equipped with devices like a robotic arm, circular mixer, piston pump, and power generator. It is fully vehicle-portable and can be rapidly transported to hilly areas. After deployment in forward areas, it prepares security structures within just a few hours/days.
Live ballistic tests were conducted by the army on structures prepared using this technology, in which its safety capability, strength, and blast resistance have been fully certified.
According to the officer, customized design according to operational needs, increased blast and bullet resistance, higher compressive strength, better use of local resources, rapid construction even in difficult hilly terrain, and the facility to prepare designs according to concealment and terrain demands—this technology will greatly assist the army in preparing structures in any difficult terrain in a short time.
According to the officer, the increasing use of on-site 3D printing technology will enhance the army’s engineering strength. This is considered a step that will give new momentum to fast, durable, and mission-oriented construction. In the challenging areas of the border, everything from bunkers to security structures can now be prepared stronger than before and in record time.
