The PESCO LogHub network and its strategic importance for Europe's defense logistics – Image: Xpert.Digital
Europe's invisible backbone: How a new logistics network is revolutionizing our defense
Robots and AI for the troops: Europe's military is building the "Amazon of defense" – These sectors will benefit from the new logistics network
At a time when Europe's security landscape is undergoing fundamental changes, a project of far-reaching strategic importance is taking shape in the background: the PESCO project "Network of LogHubs in Europe and Support to Operations." Far more than just a collection of warehouses, this network forms the emerging logistical backbone for the defense and operational capability of the European Union. The core idea is as simple as it is ingenious: instead of each member state maintaining its own expensive logistics chains for multinational operations, existing national military bases are linked to form a Europe-wide, intelligent network.
Controlled by a central coordination center in Wilhelmshaven and supported by 15 EU nations, the project aims to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy, maximize the efficiency of military operations, and achieve significant cost savings through the shared use of resources. The network has already impressively demonstrated its practical applicability in supporting NATO missions on the eastern flank.
But the LogHub network is also a powerful engine of modernization. With investments in the billions, the participating logistics centers are being gradually transformed into highly automated "smart warehouses" where robots, artificial intelligence, and digital systems optimize material flow. This project is deliberately not intended to compete with NATO, but rather to complement and strengthen NATO, open to partners like Canada and cooperating closely with NATO structures. It thus not only creates the physical foundation for the "Military Mobility" initiative, but also opens up immense business opportunities for European industry and lays the groundwork for future joint procurement projects. The LogHub network is therefore a prime example of pragmatic and forward-looking European cooperation that translates abstract security policy objectives into tangible, operational reality.
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1. What exactly is the PESCO LogHub network and what overarching goal is the European Union pursuing with this project?
The “Network of LogHubs in Europe and Support to Operations” project, or LogHub Network for short, is one of the key initiatives within the framework of the European Union’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). It represents a fundamental building block for strengthening European defense logistics and thus the EU’s strategic autonomy.
At its core, this involves the creation of a Europe-wide, integrated network of military logistics centers, the so-called “LogHubs.” These LogHubs are not newly constructed bases, but rather existing national military logistics facilities that are being networked and opened up for multinational purposes through this project. The fundamental idea is to intelligently pool the existing capacities and resources of the participating nations in order to create synergies and significantly increase the efficiency of military operations.
The overarching strategic goal is multifaceted:
Strengthening the EU's capacity to act: A robust and responsive logistics network will enhance the EU's ability to effectively plan, conduct, and support military missions and civilian crisis response operations (CSDP missions). This ranges from supporting exercises and humanitarian aid operations to robust military operations.
Increased strategic autonomy: Independent, efficient logistics are a prerequisite for a credible European defense policy. The LogHub network reduces dependence on external, non-European logistics providers and structures, particularly in critical situations. It enables Europe to act more independently.
Increased efficiency and cost savings: Instead of each nation building its own, often redundant, logistics chains for multinational operations, the network enables the sharing of storage capacity, transportation, and logistical expertise. This leads to significant cost savings and better utilization of existing infrastructure. Materials no longer need to be transported long distances from the home country but can be retrieved from a strategically located LogHub within the network.
Improving interoperability: Cooperation within a common network compels participating nations to harmonize their procedures, IT systems, and standards. This promotes interoperability among European armed forces, which is a fundamental prerequisite for the success of any multinational operation.
In summary, the LogHub network is far more than just a collection of warehouses. It is a strategic instrument that forms the logistical backbone of European defense efforts and represents a crucial step towards a more capable and autonomous European Union in the area of security and defense.
2. Who are the driving forces behind the project and how is it organized and controlled?
The LogHub project was initiated within the framework of PESCO and is driven by a group of committed EU Member States. Three countries—Germany, France, and Cyprus—coordinate the project, taking a leading role in the strategic direction and further development of the network. The number of participating nations has now grown to 15, underscoring the broad support and perceived need for this project within the EU.
The organizational structure is designed to combine central coordination with decentralized execution in order to maintain both efficiency and national sovereignty:
Joint Coordination Centre (JCC): The heart of the control system is the Joint Coordination Centre, located at the Bundeswehr Logistics Centre in Wilhelmshaven. The JCC acts as the central coordinator and trusted agent for the entire network. Its tasks include centrally receiving support requests, assigning tasks to the appropriate LogHubs within the network, monitoring material flows, and ensuring smooth operations. It is the central point of contact that maintains an overview of available capacities and resources across the entire network.
National Access Points (nAPs): Each participating nation designates a national access point. These nAPs are the direct points of contact for the JCC in their respective countries. They act as an interface between the national logistics structure and the multinational network. When a nation requests or offers support, communication with the JCC is routed through its nAP. Conversely, the JCC forwards requests and coordination instructions to the national LogHubs via the nAPs. This system ensures that national command structures are respected while simultaneously enabling seamless integration into the overall European network.
Steering Group: At the strategic level, there is a steering group comprised of representatives from all 15 participating nations. This body meets regularly to discuss the strategic development of the project, decide on the admission of new partners, and establish the fundamental rules and procedures (such as the Standing Operating Procedures). The coordinating countries (Germany, France, and Cyprus) play a particularly leading role in this process.
This three-tiered structure – strategic management by the Steering Group, central operational coordination by the JCC, and national integration via the nAPs – enables flexible yet highly coordinated operation. It ensures that the network can operate as a unified system, while control over national resources remains with the respective member states.
3. The network doesn't just exist on paper. Where and how has it already proven its functionality in practice?
A crucial factor in the success and acceptance of the LogHub network is its practical testing in real-world scenarios. From the outset, the project team emphasized not only the theoretical design of the network, but also its active use and testing. Several impressive examples demonstrate the system's functionality and added value:
Support for the NATO mission “Enhanced Forward Presence” (eFP): This was one of the first and most important practical tests. The NATO mission eFP serves to secure the alliance's eastern flank in the Baltic states. To supply the multinational battlegroups in Lithuania, the LogHub network was activated. Specifically, supplies were fed into the network via the German LogHub and then distributed to the troops on the ground via the Lithuanian LogHub. This operation impressively demonstrated how the network functions across borders and can significantly simplify and accelerate the logistics chain for a high-priority NATO operation.
Support for the NATO mission “Forward Air Policing”: The network was also used in this mission, which serves to secure the airspace on NATO’s eastern flank. In this case, the Polish LogHub was additionally activated to support the deployed air forces. This demonstrated the network’s flexibility in supporting various types of missions (land and air forces) and utilizing different LogHubs depending on geographical location and requirements.
These real-world deployments were invaluable. They not only confirmed the technical and procedural functionality but also strengthened the participating nations' confidence in the system. The guiding principle formulated by Major General Volker Thomas, Commander of the Bundeswehr Logistics Command – “Having a network is not an end in itself; it must also be used” – is being consistently implemented here. Every deployment provides valuable insights that are used to further optimize processes and improve Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs). Initial Operational Capability has already been achieved, and the project is clearly on track to achieve Full Operational Capability by 2024.
4. How is the network geographically structured and what technical means are used for networking and coordination?
The geographical distribution of the LogHubs is a crucial strategic advantage of the network. It now spans almost the entire European continent and covers key strategic publishing routes. The distribution ranges from Spain in the west to Lithuania in the east, and from the Netherlands in the north to Cyprus in the south.
Of the 15 participating nations, 14 have already registered at least one national logistics location as a LogHub for the network. This brings the total number of logistics facilities available to the system to 26. This broad geographical distribution enables highly flexible and timely support for troops and equipment, regardless of where in Europe an operation or exercise takes place. Instead of transporting equipment thousands of kilometers from their home country, troops can utilize a nearby LogHub, saving time, costs, and transport capacity.
To effectively coordinate these 26 hubs in 14 countries, standardized procedures and modern IT systems are essential:
Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs): The foundation of collaboration consists of binding, jointly developed standard operating procedures. These SOPs precisely define how requests are made, how materials are handed over, how storage is documented, and how transport is coordinated. They ensure a uniform way of working and harmonized processes in all LogHubs, regardless of their country of location. This is the basis for interoperability within the network.
Multinational Command and Information Systems (LOGFAS): For the exchange of information, especially sensitive logistical data, the network relies on proven multinational IT solutions. A central system in this regard is LOGFAS (Logistic Functional Area Services). LOGFAS is a software package developed and used by NATO to support the logistical planning and execution of operations. Using an established system like LOGFAS has the advantage that many nations are already familiar with it and that the necessary security standards for the exchange of classified information are met. It enables near real-time transparency regarding inventory levels, transport status, and available capacities across the entire network.
The combination of broad geographical coverage, standardized procedures (SOPs) and a powerful, secure IT backbone (LOGFAS) makes the LogHub network a state-of-the-art and effective instrument for multinational logistics.
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5. What role do technological innovations from civilian intralogistics play in the future of the LogHub network?
The LogHub network is not only an organizational but also a technological project. To maximize the efficiency, speed, and precision of logistics processes, the network benefits greatly from cutting-edge technological developments, often originating from highly innovative civilian intralogistics. The vision is to gradually expand the LogHubs into highly automated and digitized "smart warehouses.".
Key technologies that play or will play a central role include:
Automated storage systems: Instead of manual storage and retrieval, automated systems are increasingly being used. These include stacker cranes in high-bay warehouses for palletized goods, as well as highly dynamic shuttle systems or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for small parts warehouses (AS/RS). These systems operate around the clock with the highest precision, reduce error rates, and maximize storage density.
Intelligent material flow control: The coordination of all automated and manual transport within a LogHub is handled by a material flow computer (MFC). This acts as the “brain” of the warehouse, controlling conveyor technology, robots, and vehicles to avoid bottlenecks and minimize throughput times.
Digitalization and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): A modern WMS is the digital heart of every LogHub. It manages all inventory, storage locations, orders, and processes in real time. The integration of technologies such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) or barcode scanners enables seamless tracking (track & trace) of every single item from delivery to shipment. This creates complete transparency over material flows.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: In the future, AI-based algorithms will play an even greater role. They can be used, for example, to optimize storage strategies (“chaotic storage”), to predict demand peaks (predictive analytics), or for predictive maintenance of automated systems to prevent breakdowns.
Dual-use concepts in technology: A particularly innovative approach is the development of dual-use technologies. One example is tugger train systems, which can be operated both manually by a driver and autonomously, without a driver. This enables a gradual and flexible transformation to full automation. In rugged military operations, manual mode can be advantageous, while in routine warehouse operations, autonomous mode offers maximum efficiency.
The integration of these technologies makes the LogHubs not only faster and more efficient, but also more resilient and flexible. The expansion of the German LogHub in Pfungstadt, into which around €210 million will be invested by 2028, is a clear commitment to this technological modernization and shows the direction in which the entire network will develop.
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6. Is the LogHub network a purely European project, or can non-EU countries also participate? What is the significance of this?
While the PESCO LogHub network is fundamentally an EU project primarily aimed at strengthening European defense capabilities, it is deliberately designed to be open to the participation of third countries. This openness is of considerable strategic importance, as it strengthens ties with NATO and other key partners and underscores the network's global relevance.
The possibility of participation by third countries was formalized during the German EU Council Presidency in 2020 through a compromise proposal. This proposal sets out the conditions under which non-EU members can participate in PESCO projects.
A prominent example of interest from third countries is Canada. The country has officially expressed interest in using the network and has been formally invited to participate. Canada's participation would send a strong signal for strengthening transatlantic cooperation. Canadian armed forces are regularly present in Europe for exercises and missions. The opportunity to use the LogHub network would significantly increase their operational efficiency and further deepen logistical cooperation between the EU and NATO.
Third countries participate on a paid basis, meaning they pay to use the network's services. They have observer status without voting rights in the project's steering bodies. This approach is a smart compromise: it allows for close and pragmatic cooperation with key partners while ensuring that strategic control and decision-making regarding the project's further development remain with the EU member states.
The opening up to third countries such as Canada or potentially also the United Kingdom and Norway shows that the LogHub network is not seen as competition to NATO structures, but as a complementary and interconnectible system.
7. How is cooperation with NATO specifically structured and why is avoiding duplication of structures so important?
Cooperation between the EU-led LogHub network and NATO is a central element of the project strategy and essential for the European security architecture. Close integration is actively pursued to avoid redundancies and to use existing resources as efficiently as possible. The guiding principle here is the concept of a "single set of forces".
This principle states that most European nations possess only a single set of armed forces and capabilities. These forces must be deployable for both EU missions and NATO operations. Consequently, the supporting logistics structures must also be designed to serve both organizations. Competition between EU and NATO logistics would be inefficient, costly, and operationally nonsensical.
A concrete example of the desired close integration is the planned cooperation with the Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) in Ulm. The JSEC is an operational NATO headquarters responsible for ensuring the rapid deployment and resupply of troops throughout Europe (Rear Area Operations). It is essentially NATO's logistical hub for Europe.
Cooperation between the LogHub network (as the executing network) and the JSEC (as the planning and leading NATO command) is therefore perfectly logical and synergistic. The LogHub network can provide the JSEC with the necessary infrastructure and coordinated services to effectively support NATO deployment operations – such as the massive exercise “Steadfast Defender”.
This cooperation demonstrates that the PESCO project is not a step away from NATO, but rather a contribution by European allies to strengthening common security. By improving its logistical capabilities and making them available to both the EU and NATO, Europe reinforces its role as a capable and reliable security partner.
8. What strategic importance does NATO's southern flank have, and what role does Croatia play in strengthening it?
The geopolitical situation on NATO's southern flank, in the Mediterranean and North Africa, has changed dramatically in recent years and gained in strategic importance. Several factors contribute to this development:
Russia's increased presence: Russia has massively expanded its military and political influence in the region, particularly through its interventions in Syria and Libya, as well as through closer military cooperation with countries like Algeria. This gives Russia the ability to control access to the Mediterranean and exert pressure on the southern NATO states.
China's growing influence: With its "Belt and Road Initiative," China is pursuing massive economic interests in Africa and the Mediterranean region. This is accompanied by growing political and potentially military influence, which is changing the strategic landscape.
Other threats: The region is also characterized by instability, state collapse, terrorism and migration crises, which have a direct impact on the security of Europe.
In this complex and challenging environment, securing the logistics of the southern flank is becoming increasingly important. Croatia plays a key role here. The country has recognized its strategic location on the Adriatic Sea and is transforming into a dual-use logistics hub for Southeast Europe.
This transformation rests on two essential pillars:
Port of Split: The port of Split houses the Lora naval base, the headquarters of the Croatian Navy. It is an established military port and of central importance for naval operations in the Adriatic Sea.
Port of Rijeka: The Port of Rijeka is undergoing massive expansion and modernization. With its new, deep-water container terminal (“Rijeka Gateway”), it is developing into one of the most important civilian transshipment hubs in the northern Adriatic. This infrastructure is ideal for large military transports and can serve as a primary Sea Port of Deportation (SPOD) for NATO and EU forces.
By developing these ports into multifunctional, civil-military (dual-use) logistics centers, Croatia is positioning itself as an indispensable logistics hub in the Mediterranean. This infrastructure is crucial for supporting NATO operations such as "Sea Guardian," which monitors and secures maritime traffic in the Mediterranean. Croatia's integration into the LogHub network would therefore significantly strengthen the entire southern flank of the EU and NATO.
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9. How does Croatia's commitment to European defence cooperation manifest itself beyond the LogHub issue?
Croatia's commitment to European security is profound and is demonstrated by several concrete cooperation projects that go far beyond the mere provision of port infrastructure. This multilateral cooperation strengthens regional defense capabilities and interoperability with key partners such as Germany and Hungary.
Support for the EU Battlegroup 2025: A prime example of this close cooperation is Croatia's planned participation in the German-led EU Battlegroup, which is scheduled to be operational from 2025. A Croatian logistics company will reinforce the German logistics forces. This is not merely a symbolic act, but a highly practical contribution to strengthening the EU's rapid reaction forces. It demonstrates confidence in the capabilities of Croatian soldiers and the close integration of German and Croatian defense planning.
Cooperation with Hungary and Germany in logistics: Croatia is working closely with Hungary and Germany in the field of military logistics. The country already participates as an observer in joint German-Hungarian logistics exercises. The goal is the full integration of Croatian units into the Structured Partnership in Logistics (SPiL) from 2025 onwards.
This Croatian-Hungarian-German cooperation is of particular strategic value. It combines Hungary's continental logistics capabilities (as a hub for land transport from west to east) with Croatia's maritime capabilities (as a landing port on the Adriatic). Together, these countries are creating a redundant and resilient logistics network in Southeast Europe. Should one route (e.g., via the North Sea ports) be blocked or congested, the "southern route" via Croatia and Hungary offers a strategic alternative for supplying forces on NATO's eastern and southeastern flanks. This combination of maritime and continental capabilities creates a strategic depth that is invaluable for the European defense architecture.
10. Despite the positive developments, what challenges and obstacles does the further expansion of the LogHub network face, particularly in countries like Croatia?
Building and modernizing such a complex multinational network presents significant challenges, both infrastructural and political in nature. The example of Croatia illustrates this complexity very well:
Infrastructural challenges: Modernizing the seaports of Split and Rijeka is only one part of the equation. To become a fully-fledged logistics hub, the ports must be connected to the hinterland. This is where Croatia's biggest challenge lies: modernizing its rail infrastructure. Many important railway projects, crucial for the fast and efficient transport of goods from the ports to the interior and onward to Central Europe, are progressing slowly. Although substantial EU funding is available from the Cohesion Fund and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), bureaucratic hurdles and planning bottlenecks are delaying implementation. Without efficient rail connections, the ports' potential remains untapped.
Political obstacles: In addition to infrastructural problems, domestic political factors can also hinder international cooperation. In Croatia, for example, the political conflict between the government and President Zoran Milanović temporarily blocked the deployment of Croatian officers to key NATO activities. Such political tensions and uncertainties can undermine strategic planning and damage the trust of international partners. They send mixed signals and could weaken Croatia's position as a reliable partner in the long term.
Financing Dual-Use Projects: Modernizing infrastructure for civilian and military purposes (dual-use) is extremely costly. While EU funding programs exist, national co-financing and successfully applying for these funds pose a hurdle for many countries. Germany has demonstrated how it can be done, securing over €296 million in EU funding for dual-use projects within three years. Other countries must make similar efforts to adapt their infrastructure to the demands of the 21st century and to fully participate in the LogHub network.
These challenges demonstrate that the success of the network depends not only on military and technological capabilities, but also on political and administrative decisiveness.
11. What specific business opportunities arise from the development and modernization of the LogHub network for industry, especially for mechanical engineering and intralogistics specialists?
The LogHub network is a major driver of modernization and investment, opening up significant business opportunities for a wide range of industrial companies. Transforming the 26 logistics centers into state-of-the-art, automated facilities requires specialized expertise and innovative technologies.
Manufacturers of turnkey intralogistics systems: Companies offering complete, integrated warehouse solutions are the main beneficiaries here. This includes the planning, construction, and commissioning of automated high-bay warehouses, small parts warehouses (AS/RS), conveyor systems, and sorting systems. Companies like SSI Schäfer, Dematic, Knapp, and TGW are global market leaders in this sector.
Suppliers of automation technology and robotics: Demand for specific automation components will increase massively. These include shuttle systems (e.g., from Exotec or Bosch Rexroth), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for flexible goods transport, robot-assisted picking stations (“goods-to-person” systems), and automated tugger trains (e.g., from 4am/Scio Automation).
Software and IT companies: Digital networking requires high-performance software. Warehouse management systems (WMS) tailored to military requirements (e.g., handling hazardous materials, batch tracking of ammunition) are in demand, as are material flow computers (MFR) and interface software for connecting to higher-level systems such as LOGFAS or SAP.
Special vehicle manufacturers and the defense industry: Beyond intralogistics, manufacturers of military-specific logistics solutions also benefit.
Manitou, for example, specializes in all-terrain forklifts and telescopic handlers, which are essential for handling materials under the most adverse conditions in the field.
Rheinmetall and other manufacturers of military commercial vehicles (e.g. Daimler Truck) supply the highly mobile and often protected truck systems (e.g. the HX series) that ensure transport between the LogHubs and the deployment locations.
Zarges and others offer specialized container systems for the safe transport and storage of sensitive goods.
The development of dual-use technologies opens up additional markets. A technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes has a much greater sales potential and allows companies to benefit from civilian innovations in the defense sector as well. The LogHub network thus acts as a catalyst for technological innovation at the interface of civilian and military logistics.
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The global economy is currently undergoing a fundamental transformation, a watershed moment that is shaking the foundations of global logistics. The era of hyper-globalization, characterized by the relentless pursuit of maximum efficiency and the "just-in-time" principle, is giving way to a new reality. This new reality is marked by profound structural breaks, geopolitical power shifts, and increasing fragmentation of economic policy. The once taken-for-granted predictability of international markets and supply chains is dissolving and being replaced by a period of growing uncertainty.
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Resilient supply networks: The strategy behind innovative logistics hubs
12. What are the economic dimensions of the project with regard to joint procurement, and what role does the EU play in promoting it?
The economic dimensions of the LogHub network extend beyond pure infrastructure investment and also include the intelligent procurement of military equipment. Cooperation in the logistics sector builds trust and lays the foundation for joint procurement projects.
The advantages of joint procurement are immense:
Cost savings: Larger order quantities allow manufacturers to achieve significantly better prices (economies of scale).
Increased interoperability: When multiple nations procure the same equipment (e.g., tanks, trucks, ammunition), the systems are compatible from the outset. This significantly simplifies maintenance, training, and joint logistics during operations.
Strengthening the European defence industry: Joint projects pool demand and provide European industry with planning security and incentives for innovation.
A current example that can serve as a model is the joint procurement of the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank, in which Germany and other nations, potentially including Croatia and Hungary, are participating. Such collaborations could be extended to other areas of military logistics.
The European Union actively promotes such joint procurement projects with financial instruments. The most important instrument here is EDIRPA (European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act). EDIRPA was created in response to the war in Ukraine to replenish the stockpiles of member states that had been depleted by deliveries to Ukraine.
Budget: EDIRPA has a budget of 300 million euros.
Objective: It promotes projects in which at least three EU member states jointly procure defence equipment, which is largely manufactured on the European continent.
Implementation: 20 member states have already registered for joint procurement. Five specific procurement projects will be implemented, including in the areas of air and missile defense, armored vehicles, and ammunition of various calibers.
These EU initiatives create a financial incentive for nations to coordinate their procurement. The LogHub network provides the ideal operational framework for this, as it establishes the logistical prerequisites for efficiently storing, managing, and distributing jointly procured materials.
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13. What far-reaching strategic implications does the LogHub network have for the European security architecture and the “Military Mobility” initiative?
The PESCO LogHub network has strategic implications that extend far beyond logistics. It is a key element in efforts to make European security and defence policy more effective and resilient.
Strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy: This is the most important point. By building its own efficient and redundant logistics network, Europe reduces its dependence on external actors. In a crisis where political interests diverge, the EU could be forced to act without the support of its allies. Its own logistics capacity is the indispensable prerequisite for such autonomous action.
Contribution to the “Military Mobility” initiative: The LogHub network makes a crucial practical contribution to the overarching EU initiative “Military Mobility.” This initiative aims to ensure the swift and seamless movement of military personnel and equipment within and outside the EU. Military Mobility has two main components:
The “soft” component: simplification and standardization of cross-border approval procedures, customs formalities and transport regulations.
The “hard” component: Physical upgrading of the transport infrastructure (roads, bridges, railways, ports, airports) so that it can withstand the demands of military heavy transport (dual-use development).
The LogHub network is the stationary component that makes this mobility possible in the first place. The LogHubs are the nodes where materials are prepared, transshipped, or temporarily stored for onward transport. For example, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland are developing a cross-border model corridor for military traffic from west to east as part of a PESCO project. The LogHubs along this route are essential for its operation.
Improving Civil-Military Cooperation: The project promotes the integration of civilian and military planning structures. The dual-use approach to infrastructure and technology requires close coordination between defense, transport, and economic ministries. This leads to a more holistic and efficient national security strategy. Germany has already taken a leading role in this area with its function as a logistical hub for NATO deployments.
In summary, the LogHub network creates the physical foundation for a credible European defense. It makes strategic concepts such as “autonomy” and “mobility” tangible and implementable.
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14. What are the next milestones for the project and what is the vision for its full capability?
The LogHub network has already made impressive progress and demonstrated its Initial Operational Capability (IOC) through successful deployments. The path to Full Operational Capability, targeted for the end of 2024, is clearly defined and comprises several steps:
Further network expansion: The next step is to further densify the network. This includes integrating additional LogHubs from participating nations and connecting other EU member states that are not yet participating. The formal admission of third countries such as Canada is also on the agenda.
Continuous use and testing: As Major General Thomas emphasized, the network must be used continuously to maintain and improve it. Future multinational exercises (such as the NATO exercise series “Steadfast Defender” or the German Armed Forces' deployment exercise “Quadriga”) will be systematically used to further test the processes, refine the SOPs, and train the interaction between the JCC and the national hubs.
Technological modernization: The vision is the gradual transformation of the LogHubs into “smart warehouses.” This requires significant investment. The example of the German LogHub in Pfungstadt, in whose expansion and modernization around €210 million will be invested by 2028, is groundbreaking in this regard. Such investments in automation, digitalization, and modern IT will also be necessary in other hubs of the network to achieve a consistently high technological standard.
Full IT integration: A crucial step towards full capability is the creation of standardized interfaces and protocols that enable seamless digital communication between all national WMS systems and the central coordination platform (based on LOGFAS). The goal is a shared, real-time overview of all logistics resources within the network.
The vision for the fully enabled network is a highly responsive, resilient, and intelligent logistics system that can provide the necessary goods and services for any type of EU or NATO operation in Europe and its periphery at the push of a button. It would be the logistical backbone that allows Europe to respond quickly, efficiently, and autonomously to crises.
15. How important is the PESCO LogHub network for European defence logistics?
The PESCO LogHub network is undoubtedly one of the most significant and practical advances in European defence cooperation in recent years. It is a pioneering project that brilliantly implements a simple yet effective idea: the intelligent networking and sharing of existing national resources instead of the costly construction of new, redundant structures.
Its strategic importance can be summarized on several levels:
Operationally: It significantly increases the efficiency, speed and flexibility of military operations by shortening logistics chains and reducing response times.
Strategically: It is a crucial building block for strengthening Europe's strategic autonomy and a driving force behind the "Military Mobility" initiative. It strengthens the EU's capacity to act and simultaneously makes a valuable contribution to collective defense within the framework of NATO.
Politically: It is a prime example of successful European cooperation, building trust between member states and laying the foundation for further cooperative projects, for example in joint procurement. Furthermore, opening up to third countries strengthens the transatlantic partnership.
Economically and technologically: It acts as a catalyst for investments in modern, dual-use logistics technologies and opens up significant business opportunities for European industry, particularly in the fields of intralogistics and mechanical engineering.
The LogHub network impressively demonstrates how coordinated cooperation and pragmatic solutions can build strategic capabilities that benefit all stakeholders. It is not merely a logistical project, but a profoundly political and strategic one that makes an indispensable contribution to the future of European security and defense. It serves as a model for how the European Union can translate its defense ambitions into concrete, tangible reality.
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