US Shifts to Mobile Factories to Support Future Drone Warfare

Marcus Hale16:00 10.11.20265 min read

The US Department of War is investing heavily in mobile and domestic manufacturing to support the future of drone warfare. Through new contracts and grants, the government is shifting from centralized factories to "Edge Factories" and converted civilian battery lines to ensure a steady supply of unmanned systems.

Amprius Technologies received a $75 million grant to convert an EV battery line for military drone use.
Machina Labs will deploy two pilot "Edge Factories" to produce metal drone airframes locally.
The battery production line conversion is expected to reach a capacity of 12 million cells annually by early 2028.

What are the new mobile factory pilots?

The US Department of War has selected Machina Labs to develop metal airframes for the Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS). This project involves deploying two pilot sites known as Edge Factories to produce drone components closer to where they are needed.

According to aimmediahouse.com, these pilot sites will begin as containerized robotic manufacturing cells. Once a shipping container arrives at a site, a crew sets up the equipment to start work on a drone airframe. The speed at which the first airframe passes inspection will determine how effectively these mobile units can deliver hardware after a move.

Machina Labs, which was founded in Los Angeles in 2019, uses AI-powered robots to form sheet metal. Unlike traditional methods, these robots do not require a dedicated die for every different shape. This flexibility allows the company to turn digital designs into physical structures within weeks.

How will battery production change?

The government is also targeting the power supply for these machines by drafting civilian manufacturing into military service. A $75 million grant has been awarded to Amprius Technologies to convert an existing electric vehicle battery production line into a facility for high-energy-density drone batteries.

As reported by electrek.co, the project is funded through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program (IBAS). The goal is to establish high-volume, commercially viable US manufacturing for advanced battery systems that power Group 1, 2, and 3 drones.

The conversion involves a production line currently operated by a "major South Korean manufacturer." By combining Amprius technology with this partner's manufacturing expertise, the project aims to create a domestic, NDAA-compliant supply of pouch cells. The facility is scheduled to be completed in early 2028.

Why is the military changing its manufacturing model?

The shift aims to solve two different problems: repairing equipment at sea and scaling up production for new technology. Previous successes show that on-site manufacturing can prevent long delays caused by logistics and shipping.

In 2023, the crew of the USS Bataan used a metal 3D printer to create a replacement part for an air compressor in just five days, according to aimmediahouse.com. Meanwhile, the US Army's Jointless Hull project at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois uses machines that can print and machine large metal components for ground vehicles.

The new Machina Labs pilots add a different layer to this strategy. While the Navy focused on repairs, these new "Edge Factories" focus on whether it is cost-effective to move entire manufacturing cells to different locations to meet changing mission requirements.

How do different companies approach drone structures?

There are multiple competing methods for building the frames of unmanned aircraft. While Machina Labs focuses on forming existing sheets of metal using robots, other companies use different digital manufacturing paths.

For example, Divergent Technologies partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in 2023 to apply digital manufacturing to uncrewed aircraft. In 2025, Divergent produced the metal core of a small uncrewed aircraft by combining metal 3D printing with conventional manufacturing techniques, as noted by aimmediahouse.com.

The choice between these methods involves a trade-off between speed, cost, and location. Machina Labs is also investing in fixed-site production, having announced a $124 million Series C funding round in February. This money will support a 200,000-square-foot US factory capable of housing up to 50 RoboCraftsman cells.

How each side tells it

The move toward domestic, specialized production is viewed through different lenses depending on the stakeholder's role in the supply chain.

Machina Labs focuses on the agility required for modern conflict. Ed Mehr, the Founder and CEO of Machina Labs, stated:

"Producing low-cost systems at scale requires a manufacturing model that can move as quickly as mission requirements change,"

On the other hand, the battery conversion project is framed as a necessity for national security. Tom Stepien, the CEO of Amprius, explained the purpose of the recent grant:

"This DoW grant is intended to establish a primary source of domestic, NDAA-compliant battery production,"

What happens next?

Several milestones will determine the success of these industrial shifts. The Machina Labs team must first qualify the metal airframe in Los Angeles before they can begin the rollout of the two Edge Factory pilot sites. This process involves testing the robotic cells in containerized environments to ensure they can function outside of a permanent factory setting.

For the battery sector, the timeline is set for early 2028. This is when the converted production line is expected to be fully operational and capable of producing its target of 12 million cells per year. The success of both projects will depend on whether these localized and converted methods can match the cost and quality of traditional, large-scale central manufacturing plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Edge Factories?
They are mobile, containerized robotic cells designed to manufacture drone airframes locally and quickly near mission sites.

Why is a civilian battery factory being used for drones?
The government is using grants to convert existing EV battery lines to ensure a high-volume, domestic supply of specialized batteries for unmanned aircraft.

Who is funding these new manufacturing projects?
Funding comes from US Department of War grants, such as the $75 million IBAS award, and private investment like Machina Labs' $124 million funding round.

Sources

Chips & Rare Earths

Norway Approves €24 Million Investment for Rare Earths Pilot Plant

Rare Earths Norway has approved a €24 million investment to build a minerals processing pilot plant near its Fen Complex deposit in Telemark. This project aims to convert ore from Europe's largest documented rare-earth deposit into oxides for permanent magnets, helping to diversify a global supply chain currently dominated by China. The pilot plant is scheduled to begin operations in the third quarter of 2027, according to iom3.org . Total mineral resources at the Fen Complex recently increased from 8.8 million tonnes to 15.9 million tonnes, per iom3.org . China currently controls 70% of global rare-earth extraction and 90% of rare-earth processing, according to research by The Motley Fool . What is the goal of the new Norwegian pilot plant? The facility will test the entire processing route, starting from mined ore and ending with rare-earth oxides. This testing phase is necessary to determine if the technology can be scaled up for large-scale commercial production in the future. It will also serve as a testing ground for environmental impacts. The plant will provide samples to European partners so they can attempt trial production of rare-earth metals and magnets. According to iom3.org , the project will specifically gather data on energy consumption, waste management, and overall environmental performance. This includes assessing how tailings and other processing residues behave under realistic operating conditions to minimize future damage. How is the project being funded? The €24 million investment comes from a mix of public and regional sources. This funding supports the development of the pilot plant and the broader research into the Fen Complex deposit. The project is a collaborative effort involving Norwegian innovation and regional development funds. The breakdown of the funding, as reported by iom3.org , includes: €5.4 million from Innovation Norway. €1.9 million from the Telemark Development Fund. The remaining portion from Rare Earths Norway. Why are rare-earth elements so important? Rare-earth elements are essential components for high-tech industries and modern defense systems. They are used to create high-powered permanent magnets, which are required for electric vehicle motors, semiconductors, and data center cooling systems. Without these minerals, many green energy and digital technologies cannot function. Beyond consumer electronics, these minerals play a critical role in military applications. The Motley Fool notes that magnet metals like neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium are used in fighter jets and missile guidance systems. Because these materials are vital to national security, many countries are trying to build their own supply chains. What is the current state of the global supply chain? The global market for these minerals is heavily concentrated in a single region. China holds a dominant position, controlling the vast majority of both the extraction and the processing of rare-earth elements. This concentration creates a vulnerability for other nations that rely on these materials for their industrial and military needs. This reliance makes the United States particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. As a result, policymakers are moving to boost domestic production. While Norway is working on its European capacity, the U.S. is also investing heavily in "mine-to-magnet" supply chains through companies like MP Materials and USA Rare Earth, according to The Motley Fool . How does Norway's project fit into the timeline? The Norwegian initiative is a long-term play that moves through several distinct stages. It begins with the current pilot phase to prove the technology works and then moves toward full-scale extraction. The timeline spans several years before any significant minerals reach the market. The sequence of events for the Fen Complex, according to iom3.org , is: Current stage: Construction of the pilot plant near the Fen Complex. Third quarter of 2027: Scheduled start of pilot plant operations. Early 2030s: Rare Earths Norway aims to begin extracting rare-earth elements from the deposit. What happens next for the industry? The immediate next step involves the construction and operation of the Telemark facility. The data collected during the 2027 operations will decide if the project can move to a commercial scale. Investors and governments will be watching to see if the environmental and energy targets are met. On a broader scale, the race to secure these minerals continues globally. In the United States, companies are seeking federal financing and public-private partnerships to compete with Chinese state-subsidized programs. In Norway, the focus remains on proving that the Fen Complex can provide a reliable, environmentally conscious source of oxides for the European market. Background: The Rare-Earth Landscape To understand this news, one must recognize the critical nature of the minerals involved. Rare-earth elements are not actually that rare, but they are difficult and environmentally taxing to process. For decades, China has dominated this sector due to its established infrastructure and lower costs. The recent surge in interest is driven by two factors: the transition to electric vehicles and the need for military independence. As nations attempt to move away from a single-source supply chain, projects like the one in Norway become part of a larger geopolitical shift to secure the materials that power the 21st century. FAQ Why is Norway investing in rare earths? Norway wants to process ore from the Fen Complex, Europe's largest documented deposit, into oxides for magnets to reduce reliance on China. When will the Norwegian plant start working? The pilot plant is expected to begin its operations in the third quarter of 2027. What are rare-earth elements used for? They are essential for making permanent magnets used in electric vehicle motors, semiconductors, and advanced military equipment like fighter jets. SEO Meta Description: Norway's Rare Earths Norway approves a €24m pilot plant in Telemark to process Europe's largest rare-earth deposit and diversify the global supply chain. URL Slug: norway-rare-earths-minerals-processing-pilot-investment

Grace Lin·08:30 14.11.2026

Southeast Asia

France and ASEAN Nations Strengthen Ties in Energy and Industry

France and various Southeast Asian nations are expanding their development partnership through new agreements in electricity regulation, industrial technology, and sustainable agriculture. These moves, announced during late October 2026, aim to strengthen regional energy security and modernize food production systems across the region. The Energy Market Authority of Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Energy Regulator on October 26, 2026, to share insights on cross-border electricity connectivity, according to govinsider.asia . Vietnam's Phu Tho province reported a nearly 16 billion USD economy in 2025 as it seeks French investment in high-tech industry, according to vietnam.vnanet.vn . ASEAN ministers met in Singapore from October 29 to 31, 2026, to discuss regional food security and forestry cooperation, according to en.vneconomy.vn . How is France helping Singapore manage its power grid? Singapore and France are working together to improve how electricity moves across borders and how energy markets are regulated. This cooperation focuses on the technical and legal frameworks needed to handle a transition toward cleaner power sources. The Energy Market Authority of Singapore and the French Energy Regulator, known as the CRE, signed a memorandum of understanding during Singapore’s International Energy Week in late October. This partnership allows both sides to exchange knowledge on gas markets and the pursuit of low-carbon technologies. The agreement follows a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between Singapore and France in 2025. Puah Kok Keong, the Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority, noted that these international exchanges help develop a secure and resilient energy system. The collaboration will include technical training, study visits, and high-level dialogues between the two nations, as reported by govinsider.asia . "At a time when the global energy transition demands innovation and agility, such partnerships are a cornerstone of progress," What industrial sectors are attracting French interest in Vietnam? French companies are looking at Vietnam as a gateway to the wider ASEAN market, specifically targeting high-tech and green industries. Vietnamese officials are actively pitching specific provinces to host French investment and technology transfers. In Phu Tho province, local leaders are seeking French cooperation in six priority areas. These include semiconductors, electronics, automation, and new materials. The province also wants to develop eco-industrial parks through better wastewater reuse and energy efficiency projects, according to vietnam.vnanet.vn . Trinh Duc Hai, the Vietnamese Ambassador, stated that the upgrade of Vietnam-France ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024 provides new space for trade. He suggested that the province's industrial base makes it a viable location for French firms. To attract these companies, Phu Tho officials proposed a "green channel" that would cut half of the administrative procedures required by law. French business groups have already identified specific opportunities. These include using artificial intelligence for management, renewable energy, and microalgae for water treatment. Benoît Clocheret, Chairman of MEDEF International, suggested that stronger cooperation should focus on logistics and supply chains, as reported by vietnam.vnanet.vn . How is ASEAN addressing food and forest security? ASEAN leaders are prioritizing the resilience of food systems and the protection of forests to combat climate change. They are working to create unified standards for agriculture and forestry across the member states. During the 48th Meeting of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry held in Singapore, officials discussed the 2026-2030 action plans. A major goal is the "One Billion Trees" initiative to improve forest landscape restoration and biodiversity. Vietnam has also pushed for better coordination in the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve to manage food supply risks, according to en.vneconomy.vn . The region is also focusing on digital transformation in farming. Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dang Ngoc Diep, emphasized the need for low-emission rice production and better soil health. The ministry also supports using agricultural by-products in a circular way to help farmers, as noted by en.vneconomy.vn . What is the history of these partnerships? The current surge in cooperation is built on several years of diplomatic and economic foundation-laying between Europe and Southeast Asia. Key milestones include: October 2024: Vietnam and France upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, according to vietnam.vnanet.vn . 2025: Singapore and France signed their own Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as stated by govinsider.asia . July 1, 2025: Phu Tho province in Vietnam expanded its economic footprint following a merger with Vinh Phuc and Hoa Binh. July 24, 2026: The EU-Philippines Enhanced Partnership was launched to boost student and staff exchanges, according to manilatimes.net . Who is affected by these new agreements? The primary beneficiaries are industrial workers, farmers, and students who will gain access to new technologies and educational pathways. In Singapore, the energy sector will see new grid-strengthening projects funded by S$14.9 million in grants from the Energy Market Authority. These projects aim to improve grid resilience and manage distributed energy sources, as reported by govinsider.asia . In the Philippines, students stand to benefit from increased mobility. Between 2021 and 2025, 364 Filipinos used Erasmus Mundus scholarships for European master's programs. In 2026, 85 more students were accepted into the Erasmus+ program, according to manilatimes.net . In Vietnam, smallholder farmers and local communities are expected to benefit from new climate-resilient agricultural models and better access to technology, as outlined by en.vneconomy.vn . What happens next? The next phase of these partnerships involves implementing the specific action plans and frameworks discussed in late 2026. For ASEAN, the focus shifts to the 2026-2030 period, with the implementation of the ASEAN Forestry Cooperation Action Plan and the Fisheries Cooperation Action Plan. In the Philippines, the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2026 will take place from November 20 to 21, followed by online sessions from November 23 to 25, to present study opportunities from 13 EU member states, according to manilatimes.net . In Vietnam, the provincial government of Phu Tho will continue to work with French groups to turn political trust into concrete industrial projects, particularly in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors. FAQ What is the main goal of the Singapore-France energy agreement? The agreement aims to share knowledge on electricity market regulation, cross-border connectivity, and low-carbon energy technologies. How does Vietnam plan to attract more French investment? Vietnam is proposing "green channels" to reduce administrative procedures and creating industrial zones specifically for French firms with specialized services. What are ASEAN's forestry priorities for 2026-2030? ASEAN is focusing on the "One Billion Trees" initiative, sustainable forest management, and wildfire prevention to protect regional biodiversity. SEO Meta Description: France and ASEAN partners are expanding cooperation in energy, high-tech industry, and sustainable agriculture to boost regional security and growth. URL Slug: asean-france-development-partnership-energy-industry-agriculture

Sara Lindqvist·14:00 05.11.2026

Southeast Asia

ICJ to Deliver Historic Verdict on Myanmar Genocide Allegations

The International Court of Justice will deliver a landmark judgment on Thursday, November 19, regarding whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya minority. This ruling in The Hague marks a critical moment for international law, as the court has never before found a state responsible for the crime of genocide. The ICJ will issue its verdict on November 19, 2026, following seven years of legal proceedings, according to Hürriyet Daily News . Nearly 750,000 Rohingya refugees fled into Bangladesh due to military actions, as reported by The Star . More than 1,000,000 Rohingya people currently reside in refugee settlements in Bangladesh, according to The Daily Star . What is the core of the legal dispute? The case centers on accusations by The Gambia that Myanmar's military repression of the Rohingya people breached the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. Judges have spent seven years determining if the state acted with the specific "intent to destroy" the group, either in whole or in part. A major hurdle for prosecutors involves proving this specific intent. Legal experts note that the court must decide if the patterns of violence, such as the systematic burning of villages and mass executions, constitute a deliberate attempt to eliminate the ethnic group. Evidence includes accounts of soldiers mutilating women to stop reproduction and prevent the group from growing. The court is also examining the role of sexual violence. Antonia Mulvey, the founder of Legal Action Worldwide, told The Guardian that sexual violence is a critical component in proving the intent to destroy the group. She noted that attacks followed a consistent pattern of separating men and women and committing violence against civilians. How do the different sides explain the violence? The two sides present fundamentally different motives for the military's actions in Rakhine state. The Gambia argues the violence was a targeted campaign of destruction, while Myanmar maintains it was a legitimate security response. How each side tells it: The Gambia claims the Rohingya were systematically targeted for elimination. Gambian Justice Minister Dawda Jallow told the court during hearings that the situation involves real human beings who have been targeted for destruction. He stated that the case is not about "esoteric issues of international law" but about "real people, real stories and a real group of human beings," according to The Daily Star . Myanmar denies all genocide allegations. According to Hürriyet Daily News , the government argues its military actions were directed at a military uprising from insurgents following attacks that killed a dozen security personnel. Why does this ruling matter for global politics? The decision carries weight far beyond the borders of Southeast Asia. Legal experts are watching how the ICJ handles this case to predict how it might rule in the ongoing genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel regarding the campaign in Gaza. Both situations involve an ethnic group targeted by a powerful military. However, the political landscape differs significantly. While the Rohingya crisis has seen varying levels of international response, Israel maintains strong diplomatic support from the United States. The ICJ decision will provide a benchmark for how judges assess state responsibility in modern conflicts. The ruling could also impact the diplomatic standing of Myanmar's leader, Min Aung Hlaing. Although the ICJ rules on state responsibility rather than individual guilt, a genocide verdict would increase pressure on him. He is already under separate investigation by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. How does this affect Myanmar's leadership? Min Aung Hlaing is currently attempting to rebuild diplomatic ties after his 2021 coup. He was installed as civilian president in April following elections that many democracy watchdogs rejected, according to The Star . A finding of genocide could undermine his "charm offensive" to gain international legitimacy. Wai Yan Phyo Naing, a visiting scholar at Taiwan's Academia Sinica, told The Star that any public association with him could create political and reputational risks for governments that claim to support human rights. However, some analysts suggest the impact might be limited. Richard Horsey, a senior Asia adviser at the International Crisis Group, told The Star that governments already willing to host Hlaing are unlikely to change their course over a ruling addressed to the state rather than the individual. What is the history behind the Rohingya crisis? The crisis is the result of decades of systemic discrimination. For many years, the Rohingya people have been stripped of their citizenship in Myanmar, leading to increasing communal violence in the western Rakhine state. The situation escalated sharply in 2017. Following guerrilla-style attacks by a Rohingya militant group in the summer of 2017, the Myanmar army launched massive "clearance operations." These operations involved the burning of villages and the systematic killing of civilians, as reported by The Guardian . Survivors from villages like Tula Toli provided testimony of massacres, including the drowning of children and the systematic shooting of civilians. Satellite footage eventually confirmed that these villages had been razed to the ground. What happens next? The immediate next step is the delivery of the judgment by the International Court of Justice on Thursday, November 19. While the ICJ has no mechanism to enforce its decisions, the ruling will establish a legal precedent for state responsibility regarding genocide. On a regional level, the ruling coincides with a three-day Asean meeting in the Philippines. Asean leaders are currently debating whether to continue freezing Myanmar from high-level summits following the 2021 military coup. The verdict will likely influence how member nations approach their diplomatic relationship with the Myanmar military government. For the Rohingya, the ruling represents a long-awaited moment of legal recognition. As former UN rights investigator Yanghee Lee told The Guardian : "The ICJ ruling will be historic for Rohingya survivors and their families around the world." The international community must now decide how to respond to the court's findings, particularly as the ruling could shape future international law regarding ethnic cleansing and state-led violence. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between the ICJ and the ICC? The ICJ settles disputes between sovereign states, while the ICC prosecutes individuals for crimes like genocide or crimes against humanity. Can the ICJ force Myanmar to change its actions? The ICJ does not have the power to enforce its own decisions, but its rulings carry immense legal and diplomatic weight. Why is The Gambia involved in a case about Myanmar? The Gambia brought the case to the court because it is a party to the 1948 UN Genocide Convention and seeks to hold states accountable for breaches of the treaty. SEO Meta Description: The International Court of Justice will rule this week on whether Myanmar committed genocide against the Rohingya, a landmark decision for international law. URL Slug: icj-myanmar-rohingya-genocide-verdict-2026

Sara Lindqvist·14:00 15.11.2026

US Shifts to Mobile Factories to Support Future Drone Warfare

What are the new mobile factory pilots?

How will battery production change?

Why is the military changing its manufacturing model?

How do different companies approach drone structures?

How each side tells it

What happens next?

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Related Articles

Norway Approves €24 Million Investment for Rare Earths Pilot Plant

France and ASEAN Nations Strengthen Ties in Energy and Industry

ICJ to Deliver Historic Verdict on Myanmar Genocide Allegations