logistics

Building logistics networks that survive contested environments

Explore how software, edge AI and resilient connectivity can strengthen military logistics in contested environments. Join Breaking Defense on Oct. 21 and earn 1 CPE credit.

Textron, Merlin offer unmanned Cessna Skycourier for Pacific island resupply

“We can't devote C-130s and C-17s to do a lot of these little shuttle missions,” said retired Maj. Gen. Kyle Kremer, a Merlin advisor.

RIMPAC exercise tests 3D-printed parts for potential Pacific war

“If we got into a high-intensity conflict right now in the Indo-Pacific, it would be difficult to meet all of the repair and resupply needs,” said FLEETWERX program manager Morgan Bower — but a new approach to 3D printing might help plug the gap.

Pentagon CTO picks six defense tech vets to lead Critical Technology Areas

The six men range from a former Amazon exec to a biologist who studied jellyfish stinging Navy divers, but all have extensive experience in the Defense Department’s tech apparatus.

US, Australia and Japan sign trilateral naval logistics agreement

"This arrangement strengthens those commitments and allows us to more easily share information, technologies and processes for greater logistics resiliency," said US Vice Admiral Jeff Jablon.

Congressional biotech commission calls for $15B over 5 years to catch up to China

Over $1 billion would pass through the Pentagon, researching shelf-stable blood for casualties, new lubricants for engines, more powerful explosives, and more. Commission Chairman Sen. Todd Young hopes to get the first funds in the 2026 NDAA.

Army anticipates return of repaired logistics vessel prototype by month’s end

The service wants to get the MSV-L into the US Indo-Pacific theater by the April-June timeframe to resume experimentation and follow-on testing.

Blockchain, big data and genAI: US Army uses novel tech to track billions in Ukraine aid

Moving masses of military materiel requires managing masses of data, from automated Pentagon logistics feeds to late-night Signal chats with Ukrainian officers. Army Materiel Command’s latest digital tracking tool: blockchain.

Air Mobility Command tries AI to speed up airlift planning

Complex logistical calculations can take hours or days. With Air Mobility Command’s new ARTIV software, “the run to get all of that data takes between five and 10 minutes," according to retired Gen. Paul Selva, whose company makes the tech.

Pentagon tested generative AI to draft supply plans in latest GIDE 9 wargame

“For certain use cases, it’s proving to have a lot of value,” said Col. Matt “Nomad” Strohmeyer. “It’s not this panacea, but it’s also not this Pandora’s box of evil. It’s somewhere in between.”

Army in ‘much better place’ on MSV-L support ship, still calculating buys after cost hike: Official

“What we learned was, given the requirements we gave the vendor, it just was going to cost more. ... You don’t want to see that, but it’s going to happen sometimes," Army acquisition chief Doug Bush said.

From KMAX to KARGO: Army, Marines test out new support drone

KARGO builds on Kaman’s Afghanistan experience with its KMAX cargo UAV while adding new Near Earth Autonomy software to adapt to changing battlefields.

‘Largest conundrum of them all’: Air Force still unsure how to keep forces supplied in Indo-Pacific

While the Pentagon is still figuring out how to effectively ferry supplies across the Indo-Pacific theater, a top TRANSCOM official warned that the command may not have all the tools it needs to accurately track supplies in transit.

Professionals talk logistics: Who will fix Pacific lift?

It’s 10,000 kilometers from L.A. to Taipei. How will supplies cross that vast distance in event of war with China? Two RAND experts argue only Congress can force the services to work together.