America's arsenal of tomorrow: Divergent 3D-prints cruise missiles

Axios
by Mike Allen
March 23, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Divergent Technologies is 3D-printing cruise missile airframes that cost one-tenth of legacy systems.

AI Summary

Divergent Technologies in Torrance, California is 3D-printing cruise-missile airframes using AI-driven systems that can produce hundreds annually, part of the Trump administration's "Arsenal of Freedom" initiative to mobilize the defense industrial base. The company's low-cost missiles run $200,000 to $500,000 each—roughly one-tenth the price of legacy systems costing $2 million to $6 million. CEO Lukas Czinger said the surge in Pentagon interest since the Iran war began three weeks ago has accelerated business, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth touring the facility in January and February to promote speed and cost-efficiency in weapons production. Divergent recently completed a missile design from requirements to first flight in 71 days, demonstrating the speed-to-production advantage of the Silicon Valley manufacturing model.

What's Being Done

Divergent Technologies operates AI-driven 3D printers that can produce hundreds of missile airframes annually.

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