While the appearance of defensive structures has changed little in the past century, the methods for building them are undergoing major innovation. The goal is to simplify and accelerate construction, and today’s solutions include everything from concrete 3D printing to modular plastic trench systems.
France: Printing Fortifications with Concrete
One of the most promising directions involves additive manufacturing — specifically, construction-grade 3D printing. Beyond small-scale plastic printers, there is now a category of industrial systems capable of printing entire buildings using concrete.
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The concept is simple: if a house can be 3D printed, so can a defensive structure like a bunker or a firing post.
France’s Army Technical Section (STAT) has begun evaluating such capabilities in collaboration with Constructions-3D, a company that specializes in large-format concrete printing. Their 2.7-ton MaxiPrinter uses proprietary Termix 3D concrete. The system was recently demonstrated at the Dantzig defense exhibition in Angers, according to Opex360.
During the event, the printer autonomously created a bunker-like checkpoint structure within a single daylight cycle. Additional demonstrations showed the printing of other fortification elements. While the printer only produces wall segments, they can later be reinforced with rebar and filled with concrete.
The idea is to deploy these printers directly to the field, producing fortification components on-site. This drastically reduces logistical burden, requiring only the transport of concrete mix and steel reinforcement.
Germany and Austria: Lego-Like Modular Trenches
Meanwhile, the armed forces of Germany and Austria are testing new trench construction methods. Traditionally, trench walls are reinforced with timber. However, during recent military exercises, both nations used a modular system developed by the German company Romold, known as the ROM Trench System.
This prefabricated plastic structure, supported by a metal frame, is assembled like a Lego set. According to Soldat und Technik, four Austrian soldiers used the system to build an 18-meter covered trench with a firing position in just three hours during Waldviertel 25 drills.
The German Bundeswehr had a similarly positive experience when it used the system for the first time during autumn 2024 exercises.
The construction process involves excavating a trench, ideally with specialized equipment, assembling the structure, and then covering it with soil. The components are lighter than timber, easier to transport, and can be disassembled and reused when needed.
Read more: Ukraine Received Industrial 3D Printers From the U.S. For Printing Spare Parts for Military Equipment
