With the conclusion of AM Village 2026, the week stands out as a focused, hands-on setting that connected defence requirements with practical additive manufacturing (AM) capability building.
Throughout the programme, EWF contributed by reinforcing the role of training, qualification pathways and quality/standardisation as key enablers for reliable and interoperable AM deployment in demanding environments.

During the opening two days, EWF supported a dedicated Train-the-Trainers Seminar, promoted by the German Navy and AMLS WP600, bringing together 25 participants from Armed Forces and Ministries of Defence (including the United Kingdom, Poland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria and Germany). The activities were structured around the certificate course “For AM Trainers - Level 1 BASIC” and centred on a harmonised Level 1 Basic AM training curriculum across NATO nations, aligned with ISO-related standardisation and the WP600 framework. Participants exchanged national training resources and case studies, mapped existing tools and troubleshooting practices, and discussed how joint resources can support consistent delivery of defence-relevant AM education.

Within this track, EWF presented the International Additive Manufacturing Qualification System (IAMQS) and shared updates linked to recent standardisation developments, highlighting how harmonised learning outcomes and qualification-aligned approaches help build confidence and technical interoperability. In synergy, AILEEN was introduced through its Competence Units, enabling trainers to provide feedback to ensure the content remains responsive to defence needs.

Days 3 and 4 then shifted towards applied skills development through an AILEEN pilot dedicated to “AM for Defence”, delivered under SW20/26 - “Certificate Training Course in AM Design for Defence.” The focused 6-hour session, implemented by the Spanish CoVE (IDONIAL, SICNOVA and NOVAINDEF) with contributions from FAN3D, followed the AILEEN curriculum and addressed the AM lifecycle from a defence perspective, from metal and polymer selection to design standards and field-relevant use cases. Participants explored design approaches to optimise part performance while providing vital feedback to help shape future European defence training content.

EWF extends its appreciation to the organisers, speakers and participants for the constructive exchange and strong engagement throughout the programme. The discussions and feedback gathered during AM Village 2026 will continue to inform EWF’s work towards harmonised competence development and trustworthy AM implementation in defence-relevant contexts.