Defense Logistics | Scalable storage solutions for the defense industry
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Published on: October 13, 2025 / Updated on: October 13, 2025 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Defense Logistics | Scalable storage solutions for the defense industry – Image: Xpert.Digital
How the defense industry is making the impossible possible with intelligent storage systems
A paradigm shift in defense logistics
The European defense landscape is undergoing profound change. While the Russian attack on Ukraine painfully demonstrated the strategic importance of robust logistics systems, leading defense technology companies are already embracing revolutionary automation technologies. The transformation from manual to intelligent storage systems is no longer a vision, but an operational reality that can determine the success or failure of military operations.
The integration of automated high-bay warehouses into trimodal, dual-use logistics networks represents a key building block for improving European infrastructure. These state-of-the-art storage systems act as intelligent buffer zones that can decouple different modes of transport in terms of time and quantity. Automation solutions not only reduce picking times by up to 30 percent but also enable guaranteed availability for time-critical deliveries.
The historical roots of military automation
The history of automated systems in defense logistics goes back further than commonly assumed. The first driverless transport systems, which are now considered the forerunners of modern autonomous mobile robots, emerged as early as the 1950s. NATO's standardization of over 260 developments on the BRAVE1 platform demonstrates how systematically the integration of combat-proven innovations from Ukraine into European systems is being advanced.
European defense cooperations have already created proven structures for managing complex international projects through agencies such as OCCAR and NAHEMA. This institutional experience forms the foundation for the current automation offensive. The Multinational Structured Partnership in Logistics (SPiL) between Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic exemplifies how modern dual-use logistics works.
The German Bundeswehr serves as a central logistics hub for NATO operations, with the term "Host Nation Support" describing the comprehensive support Germany provides to allied forces. This strategic role significantly reinforces the need for highly efficient, automated storage systems.
Core technological components of intelligent defense logistics
Modern automated warehouse systems in the defense industry are based on four key technological pillars: robotics, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and security architecture.
The RackBot Eco system, with six autonomous robots, handles all storage and retrieval processes in the small parts warehouse completely autonomously. These mobile robots operate as an intelligent swarm, with each RackBot having access to every container. If one device fails, the others can seamlessly take over the tasks. This redundancy is essential for military applications, as downtime in critical situations is unacceptable.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing demand forecasting and sales planning, which 62 percent of logistics companies rank as having the greatest potential. AI algorithms analyze historical data and real-time patterns to determine optimal product placements and reduce picking times by up to 30 percent. In defense logistics, this means that urgently needed spare parts or ammunition are available at all times.
The integration of IoT sensors enables real-time inventory tracking and continuous equipment condition monitoring. Modern warehouse management systems can be seamlessly integrated into higher-level transport management systems, enabling end-to-end control from goods receipt to final delivery.
Security architectures must meet the most stringent compliance requirements. ITAR compliance regulates the export of defense-related products, services, and information according to the US Munitions List. The introduction of technologies such as mTLS and data encryption has led to significant improvements in communications and data security.
Current market dynamics and operational realities
The global warehouse automation market is expected to reach $63 billion by 2030, with 26 percent of warehouses expected to be automated by 2027. In the defense industry, these trends are amplified by specific requirements: Over 30 percent of warehouses are expected to integrate robotics by 2024.
German defense technology companies have been on a steady growth trajectory for years, which has also increased the demands on warehouse logistics. Production supply requires managing five- to six-digit item master data. This complexity overwhelms manual systems and forces a transition to automation.
Automated vertical warehouses can be used to safely store, clean, organize, and track expensive and sensitive materials such as electronic components, aircraft parts, and chemicals used in manufacturing processes. Compliance with regulations is essential.
Europe's military defense capability depends crucially on logistics. The German Army would need to double its transport and logistics capacities to meet current supply and support needs. Autonomous systems could become Europe's strategic reserve.
Success examples from practice
For example, a general contractor for intralogistics supported a fast-growing defense technology provider with a semi-automated, complete solution. The company delivered all the required subsystems and implemented them within just ten months. This speed is crucial in the defense industry, as delivery times can determine strategic advantages.
The Munich-based company FERNRIDE, previously known for autonomous trucks in the civilian sector, established a defense division and raised €18 million for autonomous logistics in the military. This development demonstrates how civilian innovations are being systematically transferred to military applications.
A particularly impressive example is the BraveTech EU initiative, which combines battle-tested innovations from Ukraine with Europe's industrial capacity. The more than 3,500 developments registered on the BRAVE1 platform offer enormous potential for modernizing European logistics systems.
Fully automated deep-freeze high-bay warehouses, such as those used in the pharmaceutical industry, demonstrate how specialized facilities work. Such systems could also be adapted for military applications where temperature-critical components must be stored.
Scalable warehouse solutions from LTW Intralogistics: Fast, flexible, scalable and fully automated
Scalable warehouse solutions: Fast, flexible, scalable and fully automated - Image: Xpert.Digital
As a full-service provider, LTW Intralogistics offers customized, scalable warehouse solutions for a wide range of industries and requirements. The combination of storage and retrieval machines, conveyor technology, and the company's proprietary, modular LTW LIOS software guarantees seamless and efficient material flow in high-bay warehouses. Whether it's a medium-sized company or a fully automated logistics center with over 100,000 storage locations, LTW's solutions are designed to scale flexibly with customer requirements and growth.
Modular, scalable, resilient: How Europe is modernizing its defense supply
Challenges and critical considerations
Despite the impressive progress, significant challenges remain. The European Court of Auditors warns that it can take up to 45 days for EU member states to obtain permits for cross-border equipment transport. These bureaucratic hurdles counteract the efficiency gains of automated systems.
Cybersecurity represents a key challenge. The US Department of Defense's CMMC program requires third-party audits to verify that cybersecurity programs meet requirements. This creates complex compliance requirements for European companies.
The integration of automated high-bay warehouses requires significant investment. Although the initial investment in autonomous mobile robots can be 50 to 100 percent higher than for conventional driverless transport systems, the long-term cost benefits outweigh this. Numerous customer projects demonstrate that the automation of complex internal transport can reduce logistics costs by up to 10 percent.
A shortage of skilled workers is driving the need for automation. The shortage of truck drivers, warehouse workers, and dock workers is a critical factor in global supply chain management. Robot manufacturers are combining hardware with intelligent software to meet the specific automation needs of the warehousing and logistics industry.
Safety requirements in high-bay warehouses are particularly demanding. The German Industrial Safety Ordinance (Betriebssicherheitsverordnung) regulates the safe use of work equipment such as industrial trucks and automated storage and retrieval systems. Systems requiring monitoring at a certain height above fall within this scope and require regular inspections.
Future prospects and strategic developments
The future of defense logistics will be shaped by five megatrends: hyper-intelligent automation, full systems integration, predictive maintenance, sustainable energy systems, and adaptive security architectures.
AI-driven processes are transforming the intelligent warehouse. The AI market in logistics is set to explode to $20.8 billion by 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 45.6 percent since 2020. Computer vision and quality control through AI-powered visual inspection systems detect product defects and packaging issues in real time.
Fully digitized logistics systems based on IoT-enabled digital twins can achieve efficiency gains of 30 to 50 percent compared to traditional setups. These systems enable comprehensive simulation and control in real time.
Sustainable warehouse automation is becoming strategically relevant. Automated warehouse systems can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30 percent and energy consumption by up to 25 percent. Dark warehouses, which operate fully automated in the dark, significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
Modular, scalable solutions are becoming the norm. NoyesStorage offers compact, flexible, and highly efficient storage solutions that make optimal use of space. The modular design allows companies to expand their storage capacity without costly infrastructure changes.
Collaborative robots will become a reality in medium-sized companies by 2025. These systems will work closely with humans or perform certain tasks completely autonomously. Around 75 percent of the professionals and managers surveyed plan to use robotic systems.
Strategic recommendations for the industry
The analysis clearly shows: Automating defense logistics is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity. Leading defense technology companies should act now to secure their competitiveness and ensure military readiness.
The integration of battle-tested Ukrainian innovations into European systems offers unique opportunities. The BraveTech EU initiative can significantly contribute to improving European infrastructure, particularly by promoting technologies with high dual-use potential.
European companies should focus on modular, scalable automation solutions that meet both civilian and military requirements. The synergy between civilian business interests and military requirements leads to cost savings, increased resilience, and strengthened strategic autonomy.
The future of defense logistics lies in the intelligent networking of autonomous systems that function reliably under the most extreme conditions. Companies that successfully master this transformation will not only increase their operational excellence but will also make a decisive contribution to the European security architecture. The time for waiting is over – robots are already taking over tomorrow's supply chain today.
Hub for security and defense - advice and information
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The hub for security and defense offers well-founded advice and current information in order to effectively support companies and organizations in strengthening their role in European security and defense policy. In close connection to the SME Connect working group, he promotes small and medium -sized companies (SMEs) in particular that want to further expand their innovative strength and competitiveness in the field of defense. As a central point of contact, the hub creates a decisive bridge between SME and European defense strategy.
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Your dual -use logistics expert
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The global economy is currently experiencing a fundamental change, a broken epoch that shakes the cornerstones of global logistics. The era of hyper-globalization, which was characterized by the unshakable striving for maximum efficiency and the “just-in-time” principle, gives way to a new reality. This is characterized by profound structural breaks, geopolitical shifts and progressive economic political fragmentation. The planning of international markets and supply chains, which was once assumed as a matter of course, dissolves and is replaced by a phase of growing uncertainty.
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