Official Launch of the C-IED COE 3D Repository: Enhancing Operational Readiness Through Innovation

The Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Centre of Excellence (C-IED COE), in close cooperation with multiple national and international partners, is proud to officially announce the launch of its 3D Repository, a digital platform designed to support counter-IED efforts through the innovative use of 3D printing technology.

This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step forward in force preparation and training, offering NATO and Partner Nations a cost-effective, scalable, and responsive capability at the lowest tactical level. By enabling on-demand 3D printing, the repository empowers users to produce accurate training aids, replicas, and specialized components, directly supporting C-IED training, operational planning, and educational efforts.

The 3D Repository serves as a centralized hub for a wide range of resources and materials, carefully curated to meet the evolving needs of C-IED practitioners. The platform includes:

  • The ability to request 3D Printable Files: Access to non-sensitive, approved 3D models of munitions, IED components, drones, weapon systems, and specialized tools to support practical training and scenario development.
  • Technical Documentation: Guidance on the proper use, printing, and application of 3D models, ensuring consistency and safety across different environments.
  • Event Reports & Best Practices: Releasable summaries and after-action reports from 3D-related workshops, field tests, and innovation challenges to foster knowledge sharing across the community.
  • Contribute Content: Share releasable reports and internally developed or field-tested 3D models with the broader community. All submissions undergo a review process by the C-IED COE before being added to the repository.

This user-driven model ensures that the repository remains dynamic, relevant, and tailored to current operational requirements. It also fosters a culture of innovation, allowing subject matter experts across nations to contribute directly to not only shared counter-IED but also other operational and training capabilities.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, so too, the tools and methods used to counter them. The C-IED COE 3D Repository reflects the Centre’s ongoing commitment to enhancing interoperability, readiness, and resilience across the NATO alliance and its partners.

Whether used to replicate an IED component for a classroom demonstration or to produce mission-critical training aids in a forward-deployed environment, this new capability stands to transform how C-IED training is delivered, bringing flexible, modern solutions to the forefront of defense readiness.

If interested, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the “Request Access Presentation”