For years, buying an advanced aircraft meant signing up for a lifelong marriage with a single manufacturer. When an organization purchased a fleet of uncrewed aerial vehicles, they did not just buy the physical carbon fiber and motors. They bought into a closed proprietary ecosystem. Every camera upgrade, every specialized software patch, and every replacement sensor had to come from that exact same supplier, often at a premium price and on a slow delivery schedule. If a team

Introduction Aerial systems have become the cornerstone of modern military strategy, delivering unmatched flexibility, precision, and safety in operations. From persistent overwatch to targeted strikes and rapid logistics, these platforms are reshaping how forces engage in contested environments. Firestorm Labs, a San Diego-based defense technology startup, is leading this shift with a mission to “democratize the fight.” By integrating additive manufacturing—3D printing—with