The Indian Institute of Technology has worked with the Indian Army on what they say is the “world’s highest on-site” print in the Himalayas.
The military bunker in Leh, in Indian-administered Kashmir, was built in 14 hours in high-altitude, low-oxygen conditions using in-situ 3D printing and locally sourced materials.
The team included India’s Simpliforge Creations, a technology and product development company, who were able to deploy a robotic 3D printer in under 24 hours.
Dhruv Gandhi, Simpliforge’s chief executive, said: “Reduced oxygen levels impaired power efficiency and human performance. Low humidity and high UV radiation impacted material integrity—but our systems delivered a robust structure in just five days.”
Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, Simpliforge’s managing director, said: “This Ladakh bunker is more than a defence milestone—it’s validation for extra-terrestrial applications. We see this as a stepping stone toward space construction on the Moon and Mars.”
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