US Marine sergeant builds 3D-printed attack drone under $700 apiece

The U.S. Marine Corps has developed HANX, its first in-house 3D-printed drone that complies with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by excluding parts from designated foreign adversaries like China. Created by Sgt. Henry David Volpe and the 2nd Marine Logistics Group, HANX is a modular unmanned aerial system designed to support multiple battlefield roles such as reconnaissance, logistics, and one-way attack missions. The drone can carry up to a one-kilogram payload and is produced using additive manufacturing techniques, allowing Marines to build, repair, and modify it internally. At approximately $700 per unit, HANX is significantly more affordable than comparable military drones, which often cost up to $4,000 each. Its modular design also enables customization to meet specific mission needs while maintaining strict cybersecurity and supply chain controls. The development of HANX aligns with the Department of Defense’s “Drone Dominance” initiative, which aims to acquire 300,000 one-way attack