Nikon AM Secures Contract with US Department of War for Tomahawk Missile Production
Written with artificial intelligence.
Nikon Advanced Manufacturing has been awarded a contract by the US Department of War to provide customized metal additive manufacturing systems specifically for producing mid-bodies of the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile. The contract covers multiple large-format systems designed to enhance domestic defense production capabilities.
Contract Overview
Nikon Advanced Manufacturing (Nikon AM) announced on October 22, 2026, that it has secured a contract from the US Department of War (DOW) to supply specialized metal additive manufacturing systems. These systems are intended for the production of mid-bodies for the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) and other similar applications. The contract will deliver multiple units of Nikon's laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) systems, which feature a two-meter z-height, based on the company's large-format NXG-E platform.
Production Location
The initiative will take place at the Nikon AM Technology Center located in Long Beach, California. This facility will focus on creating prototypes and scaling production capacity, adhering to stringent manufacturing standards necessary for aerospace and defense applications. Nikon AM emphasizes that this contract lays a crucial foundation for expanding its production capabilities in support of national defense.
Strategic Importance
The contract aligns with broader efforts by the US government to accelerate the production of tactical munitions and strengthen the defense industrial base. Nikon AM asserts that its metal additive manufacturing technology can alleviate production bottlenecks and enhance domestic manufacturing efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more resilient defense supply chain. Hamid Zarringhalam, GM and CEO of Nikon AM, highlighted the company's commitment to bolstering the defense industrial base for the US and its allies.
Market Context
This contract is part of a growing trend in the defense sector, where large-format metal additive manufacturing is increasingly being adopted to meet production demands. Other major players, such as Lockheed Martin and HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding, are also investing in large-format machines to enhance their production capabilities. The demand for these large-scale systems is expected to continue rising, prompting initiatives like the Tomahawk contract to directly address production capacity needs for critical defense systems.