Generolo Jono Žemaičio Lietuvos karo akademija

The transformation of the modern battlespace, defined by pervasive surveillance and precision-strike lethality, has fundamentally reshaped tactical logistical requirements. Last-mile logistics represents a critical vulnerability in high-intensity conflicts, where conventional crewed resupply is hindered by prohibitive risks and operational friction. The paradigm of Distributed Logistics in Contested Environments (DLCE) demands the integration of uncrewed and autonomous systems capable of penetrating Anti-Access/Area Denial envelopes under severe electronic warfare conditions. Nevertheless, a doctrinal gap remains in uncrewed aerial system (UAS) classification for logistics, existing North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the United States Department of Defense frameworks, primarily focused on mass and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, overlook logistical imperatives such as payload efficiency and specialized cargo requirements. This article evaluates current classification constraints and introduces the functionally oriented Military Logistics UAS Taxonomy (UAS-L). Through Multi-Criteria Decision-Making and tactical scenario validation, the study identifies optimal operational modalities for uncrewed and hybrid logistical architectures in near-peer conflicts.

The paper examines the economic determinants of military modernisation within the Central Northern European Military Mobility Area (CNE MMA) from 2010 to 2024. Using correlation analysis and linear models for panel data, the paper investigates the relationship between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and expenditures on military equipment and infrastructure across eight member states. Furthermore, the article defines the roles of individual states within the military mobility capability across European territory. A significant contribution of this work, which distinguishes it from existing literature in the field, is the assessment of the specific relationship between economic growth and defence infrastructure investments. While most research focuses on aggregate military spending, this study isolates infrastructure investment as a critical enabler of strategic mobility. The findings reveal a significant infrastructure decoupling in major powers like Germany and Poland, where equipment procurement crowds out infrastructure investment despite rising budgets. Conversely, frontline state like Lithuania demonstrates synchronized spending. The study concludes that current prioritisation of equipment over infrastructure creates strategic risks for rapid force deployment. The primary contribution lies in the disaggregated analysis of dual-use infrastructure within the CNE MMA framework, providing actionable insights for balancing fiscal allocation to ensure logistical resilience in contemporary geopolitical conditions.