Velo3D Inc. Secures Pivotal Army Contract, Positioning It as a Cornerstone of Defense Additive Manufacturing
On February 10, 2026, Velo3D Inc. (NASDAQ: VELO) announced that it had become the first qualified additive‑manufacturing (AM) vendor for the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC). The milestone, revealed during the Military Additive Manufacturing Summit (MILAM) in Tampa, Florida, followed a rapid qualification cycle of fewer than two weeks, underscoring Velo3D’s ability to meet the Army’s stringent requirements for mission‑critical metal parts.
Rapid Qualification and Validation
Velo3D’s Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) with GVSC enabled a streamlined process in which the company demonstrated full compliance with GVSC’s qualification criteria. The Army’s evaluation focused on Velo3D’s Sapphire family of standard and large‑format advanced metal AM printers, specifically the aluminum CP1 and Inconel 718 build chemistries. By leveraging its in‑situ process monitoring and layer‑by‑layer quality assurance, Velo3D provided compelling evidence of repeatable part fidelity, thermal control, and material consistency—key factors for supply‑chain resilience in ground combat vehicles.
Implications for the Defense Supply Chain
Upon successful validation, the Army’s Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) will be able to integrate Velo3D‑produced components directly into its sustainment logistics. The result is a significant reduction in lead times for critical parts and a mitigation of bottlenecks that have historically plagued ground vehicle maintenance. As the Army moves to scale up AM across its industrial base, Velo3D’s status as the first qualified vendor positions the company as a benchmark for future collaborations.
Technological Edge and Production Capabilities
All Velo3D Sapphire® printers are manufactured in the United States, a factor that aligns with the Department of Defense’s “Made in America” procurement priorities. The printers boast a build envelope of up to 600 mm in diameter and one meter in height, expanding the range of components that can be produced in‑house. Coupled with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology, Velo3D delivers superior part fidelity, reduced post‑processing requirements, and an established data set for material properties—advantages that resonate with both defense and commercial customers.
Forward‑Looking Outlook
The Army’s endorsement is likely to accelerate Velo3D’s entry into other high‑value sectors such as aerospace, energy, and advanced manufacturing for commercial aerospace engines. With a market cap of approximately $281 million and a close price of $12.60 on February 10, 2026, the company sits comfortably between its 52‑week high of $23.84 and low of $1.425, indicating a strong recovery trajectory. Analysts project continued upside as the firm scales production, secures additional defense contracts, and expands its customer base worldwide.
In sum, Velo3D’s qualification as the first AM vendor for the U.S. Army Ground Vehicles is not merely a contractual win—it represents a strategic foothold in a rapidly evolving defense procurement landscape. The company’s proven technology, domestic manufacturing footprint, and proven rapid qualification capabilities set a new standard for additive manufacturing in the defense sector, with ripple effects anticipated across the broader industrial base.
