Waterjet Technology Gains Momentum in Defence Manufacturing

Waterjet cutting technology is continuing to advance across modern manufacturing and its role in the defence sector is becoming increasingly significant, particularly as manufacturers face growing demands for precision, performance, and material integrity.

Water Jet Sweden is highlighting these capabilities at two major European industry events in 2026: Elmia Production Fairs in Jönköping (May 19–22) and EuroBLECH in Hannover (October 20–23). While hosted in mainland Europe, the exhibitions present a key opportunity for UK-based defence manufacturers and supply chain partners to explore cutting-edge production technologies shaping the future of the sector.

Waterjet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water, often combined with abrasive media, to deliver a flexible and highly accurate cold cutting process. Unlike thermal methods, this ensures that material properties remain unchanged, a critical factor in defence applications where structural integrity cannot be compromised.

For manufacturers involved in armoured vehicle production, this enables the precise cutting of thick steel plates without affecting ballistic performance. Maintaining protection against projectiles and shrapnel is essential, and waterjet technology provides a reliable method to achieve this without introducing heat-affected zones.

Beyond armoured vehicles, waterjet cutting is playing an increasingly important role in the production of components for drones, fighter aircraft, and satellite systems where advanced materials such as composites and specialist alloys are used. These materials can be highly sensitive to heat, making traditional cutting methods risky. Waterjet technology eliminates this concern, reducing the likelihood of delamination, microcracks, or structural weaknesses.

In the development of advanced weapon systems, precision is everything. From control systems to sensors and other high-spec components, the absence of heat and sparks during waterjet cutting significantly reduces the risk of damage, not only to the material itself but also to surrounding parts.

For manufacturers operating in high-value, low-volume production environments, this level of control can help improve yield, reduce rework, and support compliance with demanding defence specifications.

Another key advantage is versatility. A single waterjet system can process a wide range of materials, from metals to composites and plastics, without extensive tool changes. This flexibility aligns well with the evolving needs of defence manufacturing, where shorter production runs, rapid prototyping, and agile supply chains are becoming the norm. The ability to switch between materials quickly and efficiently can provide a significant operational advantage.

Although the upcoming exhibitions are based in Europe, they offer valuable insight for UK businesses looking to stay competitive in a fast-moving global defence landscape. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with waterjet specialists, explore real-world applications, and discuss how the technology can be integrated into both new and existing production processes, whether the focus is on evaluating new materials or optimising current workflows.

Visit Water Jet Sweden in Hall B, stand B06:41, at Elmia Machnine Tools, part of Elmia Production Fairs 2026.