New CNC machining and 3D printing capabilities aim to help drone manufacturers move from prototype to production faster As commercial and defense drone programs continue to expand, manufacturers face growing pressure to shorten development cycles while maintaining quality. Digital manufacturing company Protolabs (NYSE: PRLB) says it is responding by expanding its rapid … [Read more...] about As Drone Demand Grows, Protolabs Scales On-Demand Manufacturing
aerospace manufacturing
Ukraine Looks to Export Drone Expertise as It Pursues New NATO Partnerships
Kyiv's proposed agreements reflect a broader shift from wartime recipient to provider of drone technology and operational knowledge For much of the war with Russia, Ukraine has relied on international partners for military equipment. Now, the country is positioning itself as an exporter of drone expertise. According to Ukrainian officials, Kyiv hopes to sign drone cooperation … [Read more...] about Ukraine Looks to Export Drone Expertise as It Pursues New NATO Partnerships
US Drone Makers Are Building a Different Kind of Factory
Additive Manufacturing Helps Build Flexibility, Scale, and Supply Chain Resilience At AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL 2026 conference in Detroit, one theme surfaced repeatedly across panels and interviews: the future of U.S. drone manufacturing may not look anything like the mass-production model pioneered in China. Instead of trying to recreate enormous factories optimized for millions … [Read more...] about US Drone Makers Are Building a Different Kind of Factory
Michigan’s Bet on the Low Altitude Economy: How M Air Connects Aerospace Innovation and Detroit Manufacturing
At XPONENTIAL 2026 this week, leaders from University of Michigan outlined an ambitious vision for the future of drones and advanced air mobility (AAM): one where Michigan becomes a central hub for the emerging low altitude economy by combining aerospace innovation with Detroit’s industrial manufacturing strength. DRONELIFE had the opportunity for a meaningful discussion with … [Read more...] about Michigan’s Bet on the Low Altitude Economy: How M Air Connects Aerospace Innovation and Detroit Manufacturing










