By Paul R Salmon FCILT, FSCM
In modern warfare, success is not only determined by the calibre of weapon systems or the bravery of those on the front line. It is equally dependent on the strength, resilience, and adaptability of the supply chains that underpin military operations. Once seen as a “support function” working quietly in the background, logistics and supply chains have now emerged as strategic assets that shape operational outcomes on the battlefield.
The Changing Nature of Warfare and Supply Chains
In the 20th century, military supply chains were designed for predictable, linear conflicts. Stockpiling munitions and sustaining troops was a matter of scale and organisation. However, 21st-century conflict is characterised by:
Geopolitical uncertainty: Globalised supply chains have been weaponised, with adversaries targeting vulnerabilities in critical imports such as semiconductors and rare earth materials. Hybrid threats: Cyberattacks, disinformation, and economic disruption can paralyse supply networks before a shot is fired. Speed and agility: High-tempo operations demand logistics systems that can react in near real-time to changing circumstances.
This means that supply chains are no longer just enablers—they are active participants in the projection of military power.
Logistics as a Battlefield Enabler
1. Resilience Underpins Readiness
A military force is only as effective as its ability to sustain operations. Whether it’s fuel for aircraft, spares for armoured vehicles, or medical supplies for field hospitals, the speed and reliability of supply directly impact combat effectiveness.
The war in Ukraine demonstrated how a highly adaptive supply network can make the difference between survival and collapse. Rapid procurement of commercial drones, the integration of civilian transportation, and creative repair operations became decisive.
2. Supply Chain Agility is a Force Multiplier
The ability to adapt supply networks at speed is critical in contested environments. Defence forces are now exploring:
Pre-positioned stockpiles in key regions to reduce reliance on vulnerable transport routes. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) at the point of need to produce critical components in theatre. AI-driven predictive analytics to anticipate demand surges and optimise logistics flow.
Such innovations transform supply chains from passive conduits into dynamic force multipliers.
The Strategic Role of Supply Chain Professionals
Logistics professionals must now be viewed as strategic thinkers, not just operational planners. Their expertise in risk management, resilience building, and agile supply chain design is vital to national security.
To fully professionalise the defence supply chain, organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) are driving forward Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and accreditation to elevate supply chain roles alongside traditional combat functions.
From “Just in Time” to “Just in Case”
Defence supply chains are shifting away from fragile just-in-time models towards more robust just-in-case approaches. However, this doesn’t mean stockpiling endlessly—it requires smarter supply chains that blend efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
The MOD and its partners are exploring:
Public-private partnerships to secure critical national infrastructure. Digital twins and simulation tools to model supply chain vulnerabilities and stress-test resilience. Sustainable logistics initiatives to balance operational effectiveness with environmental goals.
Conclusion: The Supply Chain as a Weapon System
In today’s interconnected world, supply chains are no longer merely the sinews of war—they are part of the weapon system itself. Nations that fail to recognise this reality risk being outmanoeuvred before their forces even deploy.
For defence planners, the imperative is clear: invest in supply chain resilience, professionalise logistics talent, and treat supply networks as strategic assets on par with ships, tanks, and aircraft. The battles of tomorrow will be won not only with firepower but with foresight and logistics excellence.
