A defence-force aircraft from unknown country flies against a gray sky. Source: Adobe Stock
The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

Metals-based 3D printing specialists AML3D (ASX:AL3) has announced its successful acquisition of a contract to manufacture aerospace parts for Australia’s defence sector.

Shares were up 1.7% to 6cps in the second hour of trade.

This contract, according to the company, builds on previous work with the Australian government developing a “multi-stage nozzle assembly.”

Now, through Toolcraft Australia, AML3D will supply a 6-part nozzle assembly for an Aus Government Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) project, worth $350,000.

The company has previously manufactured a 3.6m long aluminium nozzle assembly weighing 1,230kgs.

While the company did not specify what the “nozzle assembly” is actually needed for, such assets likely allow for mid-flight refuelling of aircraft.

“[This contract] is a strong endorsement of AML3D’s WAM technology for defence applications to have the scope of this A$0.35 million contract expanded to 2 additional nozzle segments that had previously been traditionally manufactured,” AML3D chief Sean Ebert said.

“AML3D’s ability to use our proprietary WAM technology to produce higher quality components, with significantly faster turnaround times, compared to traditional manufacturing, and with less waste allows us to play an increasingly important role in defence supply chains.”

AML3D is a relatively small Australian company in the bourse’s limited defence space, better known for stocks like Droneshield (ASX:DRO) and Electro Optic Systems (ASX:EOS).

However, its rapid moves into becoming a defence oriented player have been palpable since September 2023, when the company hired an ex-NASDAQ listee proponent who’d worked on the US nuclear submarine program.

Shortly after that hire, its first contract win was with the US Navy, and today’s news marks its second contract with the Australian defence sector.

AL3 last traded at 6cps.

al3 by the numbers
More From The Market Online

Listen: HotCopper Wire Podcast #047 – Maybe just send an email next time, Albo

In this week’s HotCopper Wire episode, Isaac McIntyre and Jonathon Davidson break down (poke holes in) Albo’s national address from 7PM Wednesday, talk
The Market Online Video

Introducing Prairie Lithium: Saskatchewan’s permitted lithium project ready to scale

We've spoken to Prairie Lithium founder Zach Maurer about the explorer's overall mission, right after Macquarie's…
The Market Online Video

US growth, injectable iron pipeline: How AFT Pharma is driving toward $300 million by FY27

AFT Pharmaceuticals (ASX:AFP) is in a red-hot position as we head straight into FY26’s fourth quarter in Australia, and
The Market Online graphic with ASX-branded charts and the text "HotCopper Highlights" centred in white.

HotCopper Highlights, Week 15: Santos, Karoon, Viva all riding the Iran-fuelled Energy rollercoaster

Hello, hello, and welcome to HotCopper Highlights for Week 15, CY26, I’m Isaac McIntyre.