KITECH KAMIC visited the POST Conference 2026, held from March 9 to 12, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, to support the entry of Korean AM companies into the U.S. defense market.
The Pacific Operational Science & Technology (POST) Conference, co-hosted by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and National Defense Industrial Association, is a leading international platform where stakeholders from defense, industry, and academia convene to explore opportunities for collaborative research and development (R&D), technology demonstration, and strategic cooperation.
2026 Pacific Operational Science & Technology (POST) Conference
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An AM Technology session led by the Director and Technical Program Managers of the OSD ManTech
This year’s conference featured a series of high-level presentations centered on security and technological collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, keynote speakers included Jedidiah Royal, P. Y. Tan, and Michael R. Drowley, who emphasized the importance of maintaining technological superiority and strengthening allied cooperation across the region.
The conference agenda was structured around key themes such as ▲Deterrence & Resilience, Partners, ▲Networks & Operations, and ▲Accelerating Innovation. In particular, discussions highlighted the need for rapid technology deployment in operational environments and the development of distributed and resilient supply chains.
These discussions are closely aligned with the application of AM technologies in defense, including point-of-need manufacturing, rapid spare parts production, and innovation in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). They underscore the growing potential of AM technologies in enhancing defense readiness and logistics capabilities.
In addition, the exhibition held during the conference featured over 60 defense and advanced technology companies showcasing their latest innovations and solutions, providing participants with valuable insights into practical applications and emerging industrial ecosystems.
Among the exhibitors was PartnersLab, a Korean AM company that has collaborated with KITECH KAMIC over the years to develop and demonstrate AM applications for defense and Aerospace. The company has accumulated extensive experience in validating the applicability of AM technologies, particularly in the field of MRO.
In line with the Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF), which aims to strengthen defense industrial supply chains among allied nations, PartnersLab is actively pursuing entry into the U.S. defense market by strategically leveraging offset programs between Korea and the United States. This approach goes beyond simple product export, seeking to establish collaborative models integrated with local production and sustainment systems. It is expected to serve as a meaningful example for expanding the participation of Korean AM companies in the global defense supply chain.
During the conference, KAMIC established networks with key stakeholders from the U.S. defense community, research institutions, and industry, while actively promoting the technological capabilities and collaboration potential of Korean AM companies. In particular, discussions were held with major U.S. DoW-related organizations such as America Makes and OSD ManTech, as well as Hawaii-based organizations and initiatives including Pacific Shipyard, HavocAI, PacMar Technologies, Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, Pacific Impact Zone, and Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance. These engagements explored opportunities to further expand Korea–U.S. cooperation in additive manufacturing and dual-use advanced industry ecosystems.
KAMIC will continue to support the global expansion of Korean additive manufacturing companies and strengthen international collaboration networks. Through these efforts, the center aims to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic 3D printing industry and promote its broader application in the defense sector. Interested companies are encouraged to follow and engage in these initiatives.
