Strategy for the development of friction stir additive manufacturing technologies

(a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive report outlining the strategy of the Department of Defense for the research, development, and deployment of friction stir additive manufacturing technologies. (b) Elements The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of the strategic importance of developing and deploying friction stir additive manufacturing technologies for national defense, including their potential to enhance supply chain resilience, manufacturing agility, and operational readiness. (2) A detailed summary of current and planned Department of Defense programs and initiatives that are supporting the development, testing, or implementation of friction stir additive manufacturing technologies. (3) An analysis of key areas of operational impact of such technologies, including— (A) expeditionary manufacturing and sustainment capabilities; (B) deployable micro-factory systems for forward operating bases or contested environments; and (C) development of ultra-large-scale friction stir additive manufacturing techniques for critical defense infrastructure and platforms.