From the workshop to the front line: The Ministry of Defence brings together technology, talent and innovation
What is the Ministry of Defence doing at a trade fair focused on advanced manufacturing? More than you might think. At Advanced Manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence is opening its doors to the general public with its own dedicated area and a talk, in which it will demonstrate just how crucial metalworking, innovation and technical expertise are to military operations. A unique insight into a world where engineering can literally be a matter of life and death.
For the Ministry of Defence, this presence is anything but coincidental. “We want to show that technology also plays a significant role within the Ministry of Defence, one that goes further than people realise,” says Chief Deconinck of the land component. “At Advanced Manufacturing, we’ll have our own defence zone and a talk on military applications by Adjutant-Major Vermandere. We want to make contacts, draw inspiration ourselves and encourage visitors to put their talents to use with us.”
From the shop floor to the front line
In this defence zone, visitors will discover a striking example of practical application: a fully equipped mobile workshop housed in a shipping container. “Within an hour and a half, we can set it up as a fully operational workspace. It is equipped with all the necessary tools, such as a tube bender, a 3D printer, a milling machine, a lathe and welding equipment.”
This mobile unit is deployed for what is known within the Ministry of Defence as Expedient Repair: the rapid and creative repair of vehicles and equipment in the field, often with limited resources and without access to traditional supply chains.
“If spare parts aren’t in stock, we have to come up with our own solutions to keep vehicles operational,” they explain. “Logistics is certainly not straightforward, especially abroad. Without that flexibility, vehicles can sometimes be out of action for days on end.”
In addition to repairs, the Ministry of Defence also works on modifications and prototypes, and numerous applications are realised in-house at barracks: from steel structures to practical infrastructure. Everything that happens in the private manufacturing industry therefore also finds its way into the military domain.
Innovation under pressure
This reality makes the Ministry of Defence a particularly interesting player within Advanced Manufacturing. Innovation there is driven not only by efficiency, but often by necessity. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing, for example, are rapidly gaining in importance. They offer opportunities to produce parts more quickly or develop temporary solutions when traditional supply chains fail.
“We have to move with the times. Advanced Manufacturing therefore represents an opportunity for us to discover new technologies and explore how we can apply them in our operations.”
This interaction works both ways: whilst the Ministry of Defence draws inspiration from industry, companies and engineers can in turn learn from the pragmatic, solution-oriented approach within military contexts.
More than just soldiers
Through their presence, the Ministry of Defence also aims to challenge a persistent stereotype. Behind the military uniform lies a wide range of technical roles. “Many people still think of soldiers, but we have a huge need for technicians. Metalworking, turning, milling, welding, 3D printing… we do all of that too.”
That need is greater today than ever. Technical roles are in short supply, and the Ministry of Defence is seeking both young talent and experienced professionals from the private sector. “Those who already have experience in industry bring enormous value. But young people with a passion for technology are also welcome. There are also opportunities for career progression, for example towards technical officer roles for engineers.”
“We want to show that, with technical skills, you shouldn’t expect a traditional industrial job at the Ministry of Defence. You have to (learn to) deal with diverse, often unpredictable circumstances and work at different locations on a wide variety of systems and vehicles. No two days are the same here. That combination of technology, responsibility and variety is what makes the work so appealing to many.”
The Ministry of Defence as a neighbour within the industry
Through its own zone and accompanying talk, the Ministry of Defence aims to give visitors a sense of just how versatile and relevant its technical activities are. Not only as an employer, but also as an innovative partner within a rapidly evolving manufacturing industry.
For visitors to Advanced Manufacturing, this is therefore an opportunity to discover a lesser-known but particularly fascinating side of engineering and metalworking. And perhaps even to consider a new career path… Anyone who thinks that Defence is far removed from industry will quickly change their mind here.
Anyone wishing to discover for themselves how the Ministry of Defence is committed to technology and innovation can visit the defence zone at Advanced Manufacturing, which will be open throughout the entire exhibition. On Wednesday 20 May from 3.00 pm to 3.30 pm, you will also gain further insight into military applications during a dedicated keynote speech. An excellent opportunity to see at close quarters how technical expertise is applied in a completely different context, and what opportunities this offers.
For the Ministry of Defence, this presence is anything but coincidental. “We want to show that technology also plays a significant role within the Ministry of Defence, one that goes further than people realise,” says Chief Deconinck of the land component. “At Advanced Manufacturing, we’ll have our own defence zone and a talk on military applications by Adjutant-Major Vermandere. We want to make contacts, draw inspiration ourselves and encourage visitors to put their talents to use with us.”
From the shop floor to the front line
In this defence zone, visitors will discover a striking example of practical application: a fully equipped mobile workshop housed in a shipping container. “Within an hour and a half, we can set it up as a fully operational workspace. It is equipped with all the necessary tools, such as a tube bender, a 3D printer, a milling machine, a lathe and welding equipment.”
This mobile unit is deployed for what is known within the Ministry of Defence as Expedient Repair: the rapid and creative repair of vehicles and equipment in the field, often with limited resources and without access to traditional supply chains.
“If spare parts aren’t in stock, we have to come up with our own solutions to keep vehicles operational,” they explain. “Logistics is certainly not straightforward, especially abroad. Without that flexibility, vehicles can sometimes be out of action for days on end.”
In addition to repairs, the Ministry of Defence also works on modifications and prototypes, and numerous applications are realised in-house at barracks: from steel structures to practical infrastructure. Everything that happens in the private manufacturing industry therefore also finds its way into the military domain.
Innovation under pressure
This reality makes the Ministry of Defence a particularly interesting player within Advanced Manufacturing. Innovation there is driven not only by efficiency, but often by necessity. Additive manufacturing and 3D printing, for example, are rapidly gaining in importance. They offer opportunities to produce parts more quickly or develop temporary solutions when traditional supply chains fail.
“We have to move with the times. Advanced Manufacturing therefore represents an opportunity for us to discover new technologies and explore how we can apply them in our operations.”
This interaction works both ways: whilst the Ministry of Defence draws inspiration from industry, companies and engineers can in turn learn from the pragmatic, solution-oriented approach within military contexts.
More than just soldiers
Through their presence, the Ministry of Defence also aims to challenge a persistent stereotype. Behind the military uniform lies a wide range of technical roles. “Many people still think of soldiers, but we have a huge need for technicians. Metalworking, turning, milling, welding, 3D printing… we do all of that too.”
That need is greater today than ever. Technical roles are in short supply, and the Ministry of Defence is seeking both young talent and experienced professionals from the private sector. “Those who already have experience in industry bring enormous value. But young people with a passion for technology are also welcome. There are also opportunities for career progression, for example towards technical officer roles for engineers.”
“We want to show that, with technical skills, you shouldn’t expect a traditional industrial job at the Ministry of Defence. You have to (learn to) deal with diverse, often unpredictable circumstances and work at different locations on a wide variety of systems and vehicles. No two days are the same here. That combination of technology, responsibility and variety is what makes the work so appealing to many.”
The Ministry of Defence as a neighbour within the industry
Through its own zone and accompanying talk, the Ministry of Defence aims to give visitors a sense of just how versatile and relevant its technical activities are. Not only as an employer, but also as an innovative partner within a rapidly evolving manufacturing industry.
For visitors to Advanced Manufacturing, this is therefore an opportunity to discover a lesser-known but particularly fascinating side of engineering and metalworking. And perhaps even to consider a new career path… Anyone who thinks that Defence is far removed from industry will quickly change their mind here.
Anyone wishing to discover for themselves how the Ministry of Defence is committed to technology and innovation can visit the defence zone at Advanced Manufacturing, which will be open throughout the entire exhibition. On Wednesday 20 May from 3.00 pm to 3.30 pm, you will also gain further insight into military applications during a dedicated keynote speech. An excellent opportunity to see at close quarters how technical expertise is applied in a completely different context, and what opportunities this offers.