Distraction, drones and autonomy – logistics in the fresh war

One of the most visible phenomena of this war is the fast introduction of fresh technologies. How much do they change the way they operate and defend them?

New technologies have become 1 of the key elements of this war. We see it practically all day. Ukrainian armed forces are very rapidly implementing digital solutions – both in resource management and in decision-making. Additionally, drone and anti-drone systems, the improvement of radio-electronic combat, and the expanding usage of artificial intelligence. All this makes the modern battlefield look completely different than it did a fewer years ago. Interestingly, Ukraine is already beginning to export any of its technological solutions, for example to the Gulf States.

On the front, it happens that Ukrainian subdivisions operate for many days without direct support or communication with superiors. Does this mean more independency of command than in conventional command models?

Definitely. The independency of the lower-level commanders is of large importance today. In practice, this means goal-based command – the commander knows what to achieve, but the way in which the task is carried out depends on him. specified autonomy fosters creativity and fast consequence to changing situations. It besides takes courage to make decisions and to be assertive in command. Where commanders can act independently and flexibly, it is easier to accomplish tactical successes.

A 10 - mile - long region was created along the front line today, in which virtually any movement can be detected by drones or reconnaissance systems. How does this affect the logistics organization?

Above all, it requires much more care and rational management of resources. Any transport or traffic of vehicles must be well thought out, due to the fact that it can easy be detected and destroyed. It is so of large importance to plan deliveries and to distribute them decently over time. Logistics needs to be more flexible present and act in a distributed way to reduce the hazard of losses.

Drones are increasingly performing tasks that were inactive late the domain of people – not only designation or attacks, but besides transportation of supplies. Is this the beginning of the logistical revolution in the battlefield?

You could say that. Even at the level of tiny subdivisions – section or squad – respective different drones are being utilized simultaneously today. 1 may transport ammunition or food, another may conduct observation, another may defend the group from enemy drones, and another may execute impact tasks. If we start utilizing specified a wide set of unmanned workers in logistics, we are indeed faced with a large change in how to safe combat activities.

One of the most crucial conclusions of the war is the request to disperse supplies and logistics infrastructure. Does this mean moving distant from large bases for many smaller supply points?

Yes, but it must be done wisely and with a view to the scale of action. In practice, this means creating many smaller retention sites – both in military and civilian infrastructure, as well as in mobile or field facilities. Similarly, the way to repair equipment changes. Increasingly, mobile service teams are approaching fighting sub-divisions to bring the equipment back to work more quickly. In a conventional approach, damaged equipment was withdrawn far behind, which is besides time-consuming today.

It is besides crucial to plan transportation – that is, to find what, where, and erstwhile should go to fighting troops. Of course, ammunition, fuel, food and spare parts stay the most important.

Are NATO countries – including Poland – prepared to operate in specified a distributed logistics system?

It's 1 of the challenges. During the exercise, the situation on the battlefield must be played as realistically as possible – both in terms of threats and field conditions or scale of action. It is very crucial to build situation awareness and to train the consequence to developments.

However, we must remember that we exercise in peace, which legally introduces certain restrictions. For example, we cannot always make full usage of civilian infrastructure or means of transport. Therefore, any solutions are worth preparing earlier on the planning level – through war games and appropriate papers that could be launched in a crisis or war situation.

Is Ukraine's experience already affecting changes in NATO military logistics?

Yeah, that kind of thing's already happening. This can be seen at least in the way of knowing the concept of logistics itself. More and more is being said about "support", which includes not only transport and supplies, but the full strategy of securing military activities.
The doctrinal papers are besides gradually updated. This is essential due to the fact that modern conflicts are changing very rapidly and support systems must keep up with fresh threats.

If you were to point out the most crucial lesson from this war for Polish military logistics – what would it be?

We frequently repeat the rule of "train as you fight" – practice as you fight. It's truly worth taking it to heart. The war in Ukraine shows how crucial logistics has been since the first hours of the conflict.

Of course, not all experiences can be transferred straight to the Polish armed forces. But we should examine them carefully and draw conclusions. This will aid us to adapt both planning and applicable logistics to the realities of the modern battlefield.