DEADLY Drones 3D-Printed in Military Basement

U.S. soldiers at Hawaii’s Schofield Barracks now 3D-print lethal drones in hours using commercial parts, transforming basement-level innovation into battlefield-ready weapons that can strike targets 30 kilometers away.

Story Highlights

25th Infantry Division’s Lightning Lab enables soldiers to build modular FPV drones with lethal capabilities on-site
Capstone drone system integrates 3D-printed components with explosive ordnance for strike missions
Over 100 drones deployed in Pacific exercises, reducing repair times from weeks to hours
Commercial off-the-shelf parts and consumer-grade 3D printers drive down costs while increasing battlefield adaptability

From Factory Dependence to Frontline Innovation

Two years ago, the 25th Infantry Division faced a familiar military problem: expensive factory-built drones that took weeks to repair and offered limited range for Pacific operations. Today, soldiers at Lightning Lab manufacture their own unmanned systems using 3D printers, Raspberry Pi computers, and commercially available components. This transformation represents more than cost savings—it signals a fundamental shift toward organic military production capabilities.

The lab’s modular approach allows rapid customization for specific missions across the Indo-Pacific’s diverse terrain. Soldiers can now field-repair drones in hours rather than shipping them back to manufacturers, a critical advantage in contested environments where supply chains become vulnerable targets.

The Capstone System Delivers Lethal Effects

Captain David Velasquez publicly disclosed the Capstone drone’s lethal capabilities at the October 2025 AFCEA TechNet Indo-Pacific conference, marking the first official acknowledgment of 3D-printed military drones with integrated explosive systems. Working with EOD specialists, Lightning Lab developed safe detonation mechanisms that transform reconnaissance platforms into precision strike weapons.

The Capstone’s 30-kilometer range extends far beyond previous systems, enabling soldiers to maintain safer standoff distances while conducting surveillance and targeted strikes. Its modular design allows mission-specific configurations—from basic scouting to coordinated attacks with artillery units. Command Sergeant Major Eric Guevara oversaw field testing in the Philippines, where soldiers simplified drone frames for rapid assembly in jungle conditions.

Pacific Exercises Prove Combat Readiness

Exercise Salaknib and Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center rotations in Hawaii and the Philippines became proving grounds for Lightning Lab innovations. More than 100 FPV drones participated in these exercises, demonstrating swarm capabilities and networked operations with precision strike systems. The May 2025 deployment at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, showcased the Developmental Command Exportable Lab’s ability to manufacture drones in forward locations.

The annual Tropic Lightning Drone Competition highlights ongoing evolution in unmanned aerial systems, featuring platforms like C100, Teal, and Skydio alongside soldier-built FPV drones. These competitions strengthen military-industry partnerships while refining tactical applications for multidomain operations across the Pacific theater.

Strategic Implications for Future Warfare

Lightning Lab’s success mirrors broader military adoption of civilian technology trends, particularly the FPV drone explosion in commercial markets. The Marine Corps plans to expand similar capabilities to over 10,000 units by May 2026, indicating Army-wide scaling of these innovations. This grassroots approach to military modernization reduces dependence on traditional defense contractors while accelerating capability development.

The economic advantages are substantial—commercial components and consumer-grade 3D printers cost significantly less than military-specific systems. MC3 Technologies partner Kyla Lee supports procurement and manufacturing while building Hawaii’s technical workforce through youth robotics programs. This dual-use approach strengthens both military readiness and civilian STEM education in the Pacific region.