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 revolutionizes our defense
Robot and AI for the group: Europe's military is building the "Amazon of Defense"-these industries benefit from the new logistics network
At a time when the security policy landscape of Europe is subject to fundamental changes, a project of far-reaching strategic importance is created 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 resulting logistical spine for the European Union's ability to defend and act. The core idea is as simple as it is brilliant: Instead of ensuring that each Member State maintains its own expensive logistics chains for multinational missions, existing national military bases are linked to a Europe -wide, intelligent network.
Controlled by a central coordination center in Wilhelmshaven and now 15 EU nations, the project aims to strengthen the strategic autonomy of Europe, to maximize the efficiency of military operations and to save significant costs through the common use of resources. The network has already impressively demonstrated its practical suitability in the support of NATO missions on the eastern flank.
But the LOGHUB network is also a huge modernization engine. With investments in billions of billions, the logistics centers involved are gradually expanded to highly automated "smart warehouses" in which robots, artificial intelligence and digital systems optimize the material flow. This project is deliberately not a competitive project for NATO, but a complementary strengthening that is also open to partners such as Canada and cooperates closely with NATO structures. This not only creates the physical basis for the "Military Mobility" initiative, but also opens up immense business opportunities for European industry and laid the foundation for future joint procurement projects. The LOGHUB network is therefore a prime example of pragmatic and future-oriented European cooperation, which implements abstract security-political goals into tangible, operational reality.
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1. What exactly is the Pesco Loghub network and what overarching goal does the European Union pursue with this project?
The project “Network of Loghubs in Europe and Support to Operations”, for short LOGHUB network, is one of the central initiatives in the context of the constant structured cooperation (PESCO) of the European Union. It represents a fundamental building block to strengthen European defense logistics and thus the strategic autonomy of the EU.
In essence, it is the creation of a Europe -wide, integrated network of military logistics centers, the so -called “log hubs”. These log hubs are not newly built bases, but usually existing national military logistics facilities that are networked with one another through this project and opened for multinational purposes. The basic idea is to intelligently bundle 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 complex:
Strengthening the EU's ability to act: With a robust and reaction-fast logistics network, the ability of the EU improves, implement and supply military missions and civilian crisis reaction missions (GSVP missions). This ranges from the support of exercises to humanitarian aid missions to robust military operations.
Increasing strategic autonomy: Independent, powerful logistics is the prerequisite for a credible European defense policy. The LOGHUB network reduces the dependence on external, non-European logistics service providers and structures, especially in critical situations. It enables Europe to act more independently.
Efficiency increase and cost savings: Instead of building its own, often redundant logistics chains for multinational missions, the network enables the common use of storage capacities, means of transport and logistical know-how. This leads to considerable cost savings and better utilization of the existing infrastructure. Material no longer has to be transported over long distances from the home country, but can be accessed from a strategically cheap log hub in the network.
Improvement of interoperability: Through cooperation in a common network, the participating nations are forced to compensate for their procedures, IT systems and standards. This promotes interoperability between the European armed forces, which is a fundamental prerequisite for the success of every multinational operation.
In summary, the LOGHUB network is much more than just a collection of warehouses. It is a strategic instrument that forms the logistical “spine” for European defense efforts and represents a decisive step on the way to a more capable and autonomous European Union in the field of security and defense.
2. Who are the driving forces behind the project and how is it organizationally structured and controlled?
The LOGHUB project was initiated as part of PESCO and is promoted by a group of committed EU member states. The coordination of the project is in the hands of three countries: Germany, France and Cyprus. These coordinating nations take on a leadership role in the strategic orientation and further development of the network. In the meantime, the number of participating nations has grown to 15, which underlines the broad support and the perceived necessity of this project within the EU.
The organizational structure is designed in such a way that it combines central coordination with decentralized execution in order to protect both efficiency and national sovereignty:
Joint coordination Center (JCC): The heart of the control is the joint coordination Center, which is located in the Bundeswehr logistics center in Wilhelmshaven. The JCC acts as a central coordinator and “Trusted Agent” for the entire network. His tasks include the central acceptance of support requests, the assignment of tasks to the suitable log hubs in the network, monitoring the material flows and ensuring a smooth process. It is the central point of contact that keeps an overview of the available capacities and resources throughout the network.
National Access Points (NAP): Each participating nation names a national access point (National Access Point). These Naps are the direct contact for the JCC in the respective countries. They act as an interface between the national logistics structure and the multinational network. If a nation requests or offers support, communication runs via your NAP to the JCC. Conversely, the JCC forwards inquiries and coordination instructions via the NAPs to the national logs. This system ensures that the national command structures are respected and at the same time there is seamless integration into the European overall network.
Tax group (Steering Group): At the strategic level there is a tax group in which representatives of all 15 participating nations sit. This committee meets regularly to discuss the strategic development of the project, to decide on the admission of new partners and to determine the basic rules and procedures (such as the standing operating procedure). The coordinating countries (Germany, France, Cyprus) have a special leadership role here.
This three -stage structure - strategic control by the control group, central operational coordination through the JCC and national connection via NAPs - enables flexible and highly coordinated functionality. It ensures that the network can act as a uniform system while control over the national resources remains with the respective Member States.
3. The network does not only exist on paper. Where and how has it demonstrated in practice?
A crucial factor for success and acceptance of the LOGHUB network is his practical testing in real scenarios. From the beginning, the project team has placed great importance not only to design the network theoretically, but also to actively use and test it. There are several impressive examples that show the functionality and added value of the system:
Support of 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 east flank of the alliance in the Baltic States. The Loghub network was activated to supply the multinational battlegroups in Lithuania. Specifically, material was fed into the network via the German Loghub and then distributed to the troops on site via the Lithuanian log hub. This use impressively demonstrated how the network works across borders and can significantly simplify and accelerate the logistical chain for highly priorified NATO surgery.
Support of the NATO mission “Forward Air Policing”: The network was also used in this mission, which is used to secure airspace on the NATO east flank. The Polish log hub was also activated to support the airwood forces used. This showed the flexibility of the network to provide different types of missions (agricultural and air forces) and use different log hubs depending on the geographical location and need.
These real missions were invaluable. You have not only confirmed the technical and procedural functionality, but also strengthened the trust of the participating nations in the system. The guiding principle, which Major General Volker Thomas, commander of the Bundeswehr logistics command - formulated - "to have a network is not an end in itself, it must also be used" - is consistently implemented here. Each assignment provides valuable insights that are used to further optimize the processes and to improve the standing operating procedures (SOPS). The initial qualification (“Initial Operational Capability”) has already been reached, and the project is on the clear path to full capacity (“Full Operational Capability”) until 2024.
4. How is the network geographically set up and which technical means are used to network and coordination?
The geographical distribution of the log hub is a decisive strategic advantage of the network. It now extends over almost the entire European continent and covers important 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 log hub for the network. A total of 26 logistical facilities are available to the system. This broad geographical spread enables troops and material to support very flexibly and timely, regardless of where surgery or practice takes place in Europe. Instead of moving materials from home country over thousands of kilometers, a nearby log hub can be used, which saves time, costs and transport capacity.
In order to effectively coordinate these 26 hubs in 14 countries, standardized procedures and modern IT systems are essential:
Standing Operating Procedures (SOPS): The foundation of the collaboration forms binding, jointly developed standard procedural instructions. These SIPs determine exactly how inquiries, how to hand over material, how to document storage and how the transport is coordinated. They ensure a uniform way of working and harmonized processes in all logs, regardless of which country they are in. This is the basis for interoperability in the network.
Multinational management and information systems (logfas): For the exchange of information, in particular sensitive logistical data, the network relies on proven multinational IT solutions. A central system is logistic (Logistic Functional Area Services). Logfas is a software package developed by NATO to support the logistical planning and implementation of operations. The use of an established system such as log fas has the advantage that many nations are already familiar with it and that the necessary safety standards are met for the replacement of shutter clothes. It enables quasi-ic-time transparency via material stocks, transport status and available capacities in the entire network.
The combination of a broad geographical cover, standardized procedures (SOPS) and a powerful, secure IT backbone (log fas) makes the Loghub network a state-of-the-art and effective instrument of multinational logistics.
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5. What role do technological innovations from civil intralogistics play for the future of the Loghub network?
The LOGHUB network is not only an organizational, but also a technological project. In order to maximize the efficiency, speed and precision of the logistical processes, the network benefits greatly from the latest technological developments that often come from highly innovative civilian intralogistics. The vision is to gradually expand the log lubs to highly automated and digitized “smart warehouses”.
The key technologies that will play or play a central role include:
Automated warehouse systems: Instead of manual storage and outsourcing, automated systems are increasingly being used. This includes shelf control units (RBGS) in high-bay bearings for pallet goods as well as high-dynamic shuttle systems or autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for small parts warehouse (AKL). These systems work around the clock with the highest precision, reduce error rates and maximize the storage density.
Intelligent material flow control: The coordination of all automated and manual transports within a log stroke is carried out by a material flow calculator (MFR). This acts like the “brain” of the warehouse and controls conveyor technology, robots and vehicles in such a way that bottlenecks are avoided and throughput times are minimized.
Digitization and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): A modern WMS is the digital heart of every log hub. It manages all stocks, storage spaces, orders and processes in real time. By integrating technologies such as RFID (radio frequency identification) or barcode scanners, a complete follow-up (track & trace) of each individual article is made possible from delivery to shipping. This creates complete transparency via the material rivers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: In the future, AI-based algorithms will play an even greater role. You can, for example, be used to optimize the storage strategy (“chaotic warehouse”), for predicting demand tips (predictive analytics) or for predictive maintenance (predictive maintenance) of the automated systems in order to avoid failures.
Dual-use concepts in technology: A particularly innovative approach is the development of dual-use technologies. One example is route train systems that can be operated both in manual mode by a driver and in autonomous, driverless mode. This enables a gradual and flexible transformation for fully automation. Manual mode can be an advantage in a robust military operation, while in routine operation in the warehouse, autonomous mode offers maximum efficiency.
The integration of these technologies not only makes logs faster and more efficient, but also more resilient and more flexible. The expansion of the German Log Hub in Pfungstadt, in which around 210 million euros 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 meaning?
The PESCO LOGHUB network is essentially an EU project that primarily serves to strengthen European defense skills, but it is deliberately open to the participation of third countries. This opening is of considerable strategic importance, since it strengthens the bridges to NATO and other important partners and underlines the global relevance of the network.
The possibility of participating in third countries during the German EU Council Presidency was formalized by a compromise proposal. This determines the conditions under which non-EU members can take part in Pesco projects.
A prominent example of the interest of third countries is Canada. The country has officially expressed interest in using the network and was formally invited to participate. Canada's participation would be a strong signal for strengthening transatlantic cooperation. Canadian armed forces are regularly present for exercises and missions in Europe. The possibility of using the LOGHUB network would significantly increase your operational efficiency and further deepen the logistical cooperation between the EU and NATO.
Third countries are participated in a fee, which means that they pay for the use of the network's services. In the tax committees of the project, you will receive an observer status without voting rights. This approach is a clever compromise: it enables close and pragmatic cooperation with important partners, but at the same time ensures that strategic control and decision-making about the further development of the project remains at the EU member states.
The opening for third countries such as Canada or potentially also the United Kingdom and Norway shows that the Loghub network is not understood as a competition with NATO structures, but as a complementary and connectable system.
7. How is the collaboration with NATO specifically designed and why is the avoidance of double structures so important?
The cooperation between the EU-led LOGHUB network and NATO is a central element of the project strategy and essential for European security architecture. Close interlinking is actively sought to avoid redundancies and use the existing resources as efficiently as possible. The guiding principle here is the concept of the “Single Set of Forces” (only set of forces).
This principle states that most European nations only have a single sentence of armed forces and skills. These forces must be used for both EU missions and NATO operations. As a result, the supporting logistics structures must also be designed in such a way that they can serve both organizations. A competition between EU and NATO logistics would be inefficient, costly and operational nonsensical.
A concrete example of the intended narrow integration is the planned cooperation with the Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) in Ulm. The JSEC is an operational NATO headquarters that is responsible for ensuring the fast laying and supply of troops across Europe (Rear Area Operations). It is almost the logistical hub of NATO for Europe.
A collaboration between the LogHub network (as an executive network) and the JSEC (as a planning and leading NATO command) is therefore absolutely logical and synergetic. The LOGHUB network can provide the JSEC the necessary infrastructure and coordinated services to effectively support NATO laying operations-such as the massive exercise “Steadfast Defender”.
This cooperation makes it clear that the Pesco project is not a step away from NATO, but rather a contribution by the European allies to strengthen joint security. By improving its logistical skills and providing both the EU and NATO, it strengthens its role as a capable and reliable security partner.
8. What strategic importance does the NATO south flank do and what role does Croatia play in strengthening?
The geopolitical location on the south flank of NATO, i.e. in the Mediterranean and in North Africa, has changed dramatically in recent years and has gained strategic importance. Several factors contribute to this development:
Russia's increased presence: Russia has massively expanded its military and political influence in the region, in particular through its interventions in Syria and Libya as well as through closer military cooperation with countries such as Algeria. This gives Russia the ability to control access to the Mediterranean and put pressure on the southern NATO countries.
China's growing influence: China follows massive economic interests in Africa and in the Mediterranean with his “Belt and Road Initiative”. This goes hand in hand with a growing political and potentially military influence that changes the strategic landscape.
Other threats: The region is also characterized by instability, state decay, terrorism and migration crises that have a direct impact on the safety of Europe.
In this complex and challenging environment, the logistical protection of the south flank is gaining in importance. Here Croatia has a key role. The country has recognized its strategic location on the Adriatic and is in a transformation to a dual-use logistics hub for Southeast Europe.
This transformation is based on two essential columns:
Hafen Split: The port of Split houses the headquarters of the Croatian Navy with the “Lora” naval base. It is an established military port and of central importance for naval operations in the Adriatic.
Hafen Rijeka: The port of Rijeka is massively expanded and modernized. With his new, low -water -compatible container terminal (“Rijeka Gateway”), he is developing into one of the most important civilian envelope in the northern Adriatic. This infrastructure is ideal for large military transports and can serve as a primary landing harbor (Sea Port of Debarkation- SPOD) for NATO and EU forces.
By developing these ports into multifunctional, civil-military (dual -use) logistics centers, Croatia positions itself as an indispensable logistical hub in the Mediterranean. This infrastructure is of crucial importance for the support of NATO operations such as “Sea Guardian”, which serves to monitor and secure maritime traffic in the Mediterranean. Croatia's integration into the LogHub network would thus significantly strengthen the entire south flank of the EU and NATO.
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9. How manifests Croatia's commitment in European defense cooperation beyond the log hub topic?
Croatia's commitment to European security is profound and shows itself in several concrete cooperation projects that go far beyond the pure provision of port infrastructure. This multilateral cooperation strengthens regional defense ability and interoperability with important partners such as Germany and Hungary.
Support of the EU Battlegroup 2025: An outstanding example of the close cooperation is the planned participation of Croatia in the German-managed EU Battleroup, which should be ready for use from 2025. A Croatian logistics company will strengthen the German logistics forces. This is not just a symbolic act, but a highly practical contribution to strengthening the EU's fast intervention. It shows confidence in the skills of Croatian soldiers and the close interlinking of German and Croatian defense planning.
Cooperation with Hungary and Germany in logistics: Croatia works closely with Hungary and Germany in the field of military logistics. As an observer, the country is already taking part in common German-Hungarian logistics exercises. The aim is to integrate Croatian units into the Structured Partnership in Logistics (Spil) from 2025.
This Croatian-Hungarian-German cooperation is strategically particularly valuable. It combines the continental logistics skills (as a hub for land transports from west to east) with the maritime skills of Croatia (as a landing port on the Adriatic). Together, these countries create a redundant and resilient logistics network in Southeast Europe. If a route (e.g. over the North Sea ports) is blocked or overloaded, the “Southern route” via Croatia and Hungary offers a strategic alternative for the supply of forces on the NATO-east and southeast flank. This combination of maritime and continental skills creates a strategic depth that is invaluable for the European defense architecture.
10. Despite the positive developments-what challenges and obstacles is the further expansion of the LOGHUB network, especially in countries like Croatia?
The structure and modernization of such a complex multinational network are associated with considerable challenges that can be both infrastructural and political in nature. The example of Croatia illustrates this complexity very well:
Infrastructural challenges: The modernization of the seaports Split and Rijeka is only part of the equation. In order to become a full -fledged logistics hub, the connection of the ports must be guaranteed to the hinterland. This is the biggest challenge for Croatia: the modernization of the rail infrastructure. Many important railway projects that are decisive for the fast and capacity of goods from the ports inland and further to Central Europe are only progressing slowly. Although significant EU funding from the cohesion fund and the financial instrument “Connecting Europe Facility” (CEF) are available, bureaucratic hurdles and planning bottlenecks are delaying the implementation. Without a powerful rail connection, the potential of the ports remains unused.
Political obstacles: In addition to infrastructural problems, international cooperation can also make international cooperation difficult. In Croatia, for example, the political conflict between the government and President Zoran Milanović temporarily led to the blockade of the sending of Croatian officers to important NATO activities. Such political tensions and uncertainties can undermine strategic planning and damage the trust of international partners. They send contradictory signals and could weaken the position of Croatia as a reliable partner in the long term.
Financing of dual-use projects: The modernization of infrastructure for civil and military purposes (dual -use) is extremely expensive. There are EU funding, but the national co-financing and the successful application for these funds are a hurdle for many countries. Germany has shown how to do it and raised over 296 million euros in EU funding for dual-use projects within three years. Other countries have to make similar efforts in order to adapt their infrastructure to the requirements of the 21st century and to be able to participate in full on the log hub network.
These challenges show that the success of the network depends not only on military and technological, but also on political and administrative energy.
11. What concrete business opportunities result from the structure and modernization of the Loghub network for industry, especially for mechanical engineering and intralogistics specialists?
The LogHub network is a huge modernization and investment driver that opens up considerable business opportunities for a wide range of industrial companies. The transformation of the 26 logistics centers into state-of-the-art, automated facilities requires specialized know-how and innovative technologies.
Manufacturer of turnkey intralogistics systems: Companies that offer complete, integrated warehouse solutions are the main professional here. This includes the planning, construction and commissioning of automated high -beam bearings, small -scale dividers (AKL), conveyor technology systems and sorting systems. Companies like SSI Schäfer, Dematic, Knapp or TGW are global market leaders here.
Provider of automation technology and robotics: The demand for specific automation components will increase massively. This includes shuttle systems (e.g. from Exotec or Bosch Rexroth), autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for flexible goods transport, robot-based picking stations (“Goods-to-person” systems) and automated route trains (e.g. 4 am/Scio Automation).
Software and IT companies: Digital networking requires powerful software. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are in demand that are tailored to military requirements (e.g. dealing with dangerous goods, batch tracking of ammunition), as well as material flow computers (MFR) and interface software for connection to overarching systems such as log fas or SAP.
Special vehicle manufacturers and armaments industry: In addition to intralogistics, manufacturers also benefit from military -specific logistics solutions.
Manitou, for example, specializes in off -road forklifts and telescopic loaders, which are essential for the material envelope under the most adverse conditions in the field.
Rheinmetall and other manufacturers of military commercial vehicles (e.g. Daimler Truck) provide the high-mobile and often protected truck systems (e.g. the HX series), which ensure transport between the log lubs and the locations.
Zarges and others offer specialized container systems for safe transport and storage of sensitive goods.
The development of dual-use technologies opens up additional markets. A technology that can be used both civil and militarily has a much greater sales potential and enables companies to benefit from civilian innovations in the defense sector. The LOGHUB network thus acts as a catalyst for technological innovation at the interface of civil and military logistics.
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12. What economic dimensions does the project have with regard to joint procurement and what role does the EU play in its funding?
The economic dimensions of the LOGHUB network go beyond pure infrastructure investment and also include the intelligent procurement of military equipment. The cooperation in the logistics sector creates and lays the basis for joint procurement projects (joint procurement).
The advantages of shared procurement are immense:
Cost savings: The manufacturers can achieve significantly better prices (scale effects).
Increased interoperability: If several nations procure the same material (e.g. tanks, trucks, ammunition), the systems are compatible from the outset. This simplifies maintenance, training and the common logistics in action.
Strengthening the European Defense Industry: Common projects bundle the demand and give European industry planning security and incentives for innovation.
A current example that can serve as a model is the joint procurement of the battle tank Leopard 2a8, in which, in addition to Germany, other nations, potentially potentially also Croatia and Hungary, participate. Such cooperation 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 Defense Industry Reinforcement Through Common Procurement Act). Edirpa was created in response to the Ukraine War in order to refill the inventories of the Member States emptied by deliveries to Ukraine.
Budget: Edirpa is equipped with a budget of 300 million euros.
Goal: It promotes projects in which at least three EU member states shared together defense goods that are largely produced on the European continent.
Implementation: 20 Member States have already registered for joint procurement. Five concrete procurement projects are realized, including in the areas of air and rocket defense, armored vehicles and ammunition of various calibers.
These EU initiatives create a financial incentive for the nations to coordinate their procurement. The LOGHUB network is the ideal operational framework for this, since it creates the logistical requirements in order to store, manage and distribute the material that has been procured together efficiently.
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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 go far beyond pure logistics. It is a core of the efforts to make European security and defense policy more capable and resilient.
Strengthening the strategic autonomy of Europe: This is the most important point. By building up its own, powerful and redundant logistics network, Europe reduces its dependence on external actors. In a crisis in which political interests diverge, the EU could be forced without the support of allies. A separate logistics capacity is the indispensable prerequisite for such autonomous ability to act.
Contribution to the “Military Mobility” initiative: The LOGHUB network is a decisive practical contribution to the overarching EU initiative “Military Mobility”. This initiative aims to ensure the rapid and seamless movement of military personnel and material inside and outside the EU. Military Mobility has two main components:
The “soft” component: simplification and standardization of cross -border approval processes, customs formalities and transport regulations.
The “hard” component: physical upgrading of the transport infrastructure (streets, bridges, rails, ports, airports) so that it can withstand the requirements of military heavy transport (dual-use expansion).
The LOGHUB network is the inpatient component that only enables this mobility. The log lubs are the nodes at which material is prepared, converted or temporarily stored for further transport. Germany, the Netherlands and Poland, for example, develop a cross-border model corridor for military traffic from west to east as part of a Pesco project. The logs along this route are essential for its functioning.
Improvement of civil-military cooperation: The project promotes the integration of civilian and military planning structures. The dual-use approach in infrastructure and technology requires close coordination between defense, transport and economic ministries. This leads to a more holistic and efficient national security provision. Germany has already taken a pioneering role here with its role as a logistical hub for NATO.
In summary, it can be said that the Loghub network creates the physical basis 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 does the vision look like for its complete ability?
The LOGHUB network has already made impressive progress and demonstrated its initial qualification (“initial operational capability”) through successful operations. The path to full qualification (“Full Operational Capability”), which will be sought by the end of 2024, is clearly defined and includes several steps:
Further expansion of the network: The next step is to further compact the network. This includes the integration of additional logs from the already participating nations and the connection of other EU member states that have not yet participated. The formal intake of third countries such as Canada is also on the agenda.
Continuous use and testing: As emphasized by Major General Thomas, the network must be continuously used in order to maintain and improve it. Future multinational exercises (such as the NATO exercise series “Steadfast Defender” or the “Quadriga” “Quadriga” publication ”of the Bundeswehr) are used systematically to further test the processes, to refine the SOPS and to train the interaction between the JCC and the national hubs.
Technological modernization: The vision is the gradual transformation of the log hubs into “smart warehouses”. This requires considerable investments. The example of the German Log Hub in Pfungstadt, in whose expansion and modernization of around 210 million euros will be invested by 2028, is groundbreaking here. Such investments in automation, digitization and modern IT will also be necessary in other hubs in the network in order to achieve a uniformly high technological level.
Complete IT integration: A crucial step towards full capacity is the creation of standardized interfaces and protocols, which enable seamless digital communication between all national WMS systems and the central coordination platform (based on log fas). The goal is a common, real -time positioning picture of all logistical resources in the network.
The vision for the fully qualified network is a highly reactionable, resilient and intelligent logistics system, which can provide the necessary goods and services for any kind of EU or NATO surgery in Europe and its periphery at the push of a button. It would be the logistical backbone that enables Europe to react quickly, efficiently and autonomously to crises.
15. How important is the Pesco Loghub network for European defense logistics?
The Pesco Loghub network is undoubtedly one of the most important and practical progress in the European defense cooperation in recent years. It is a groundbreaking project that brilliantly implements a simple but effective idea: the intelligent networking and common use of existing national resources instead of the costly structure of new, redundant structures.
Its strategic importance can be summarized on several levels:
Operating: Efficiency, speed and flexibility of military operations increase significantly by shortening the logistics chains and reducing the reaction times.
Strategic: It is a crucial building block to strengthen the strategic autonomy of Europe and an engine for the “Military Mobility” initiative. It strengthens the EU's ability to act and at the same time makes a valuable contribution to the collective defense within the framework of NATO.
Politically: It is a prime example of successful European cooperation that creates trust between the Member States and lies the basis for further cooperation projects, for example in joint procurement. The opening for third countries also strengthens the transatlantic partnership.
Economically and technologically: It acts as a catalyst for investments in modern, dual-usable logistics technologies and opens up considerable business opportunities for European industry, especially in the field of intralogistics and mechanical engineering.
The LogHub network impressively shows how strategic skills can be built through coordinated cooperation and pragmatic solutions that benefit everyone involved. It is not just a logistical, but a deeply political and strategic project that makes an indispensable contribution to the future of European security and defense. It is a model for how the European Union can implement its ambitions in the defense area into concrete, tangible reality.
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