• Military logistics is essential for operational success, integrating army, navy, and air force capabilities with civilian contractors to ensure critical supplies—like ammunition and heavy equipment—reach the right place at the right time.
• Germany’s Bundeswehr has restructured its logistic operations under a joint command with ~55,000 personnel, emphasizing civil-military collaboration, multinational cooperation, and a “coupling bridge” network linking domestic and overseas operations.
• Air transport remains a vital, though costly, last-resort option, with challenges including infrastructure limitations, high-threat zones, and supply chain continuity managed through redundancy, careful planning, and multiple contractor options.

Beneath the headlines of global conflicts lies a crucial component: military logistics. These operations determine whether a military force can sustain itself and operate effectively, turning strategy into reality. 

Recent geopolitical developments, particularly Russia’s war against Ukraine, have sharpened global awareness of this complex web. Military logistics is no longer just about moving tanks or ammunition; it encompasses planning for rapid deployment, anticipating disruptions, and integrating civilian partners. 

“The best weapon systems, both in quantity as well as quality, cannot have a lasting impact if essential supplies are not available in a timely manner and in the necessary quantities,” Brigadier General Ralph Lungershausen, Chief of Division Planning II, Strategic Capability Development, Bundeswehr, told a recent audience, stressing that: “Logistics does not win wars, but wars are lost without logistics.”

The Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, has recently restructured its logistic operations to meet contemporary security demands. Brigadier General Lungershausen explained that, unlike civilian logistics sectors where roles are often specialised and siloed, the Bundeswehr integrates all key functions under one umbrella. “We are the joint logistic command of the Bundeswehr with approximately 18,000 members,” he said, “responsible for all missions abroad, and of course, also important for operations in Germany itself.”

This joint structure incorporates army, navy, and air force elements, creating a network capable of responding swiftly and efficiently to national defence and collective NATO obligations. “Early and comprehensive integration of logistic aspects into operational planning is absolutely necessary,” he noted, reflecting on lessons from Ukraine. “We rely on a sophisticated logistical network and important commercial contractors to support our operations.”

To strengthen this network, Germany merged its operations command and home defence command into a unified Bundeswehr Joint Force Command. Supporting it, the Bundeswehr Joint Support Command now functions as a superior authority with around 55,000 members. Its mandate includes maintaining the functionality, sustainability, and survivability of forces, ensuring that limited resources are optimally utilised.

The command also emphasises civil-military collaboration. “Our capabilities and resources are only available in limited quantities, so we rely on civil contractors, even in air transport,” Brigadier General Lungershausen said. 

The complex web 

The Bundeswehr’s logistic system is designed around a central principle: delivering the right service, in the right place, at the right time, to the right user. Brigadier General Lungershausen illustrated this with a concept he calls the “coupling bridge,” a network that links Germany’s domestic capabilities with theatres of operations abroad. This bridge depends heavily on civilian contractors, tasked with transporting more than 75 percent of all material from Germany to operational areas.

“This is not T-shirts we are talking about,” he emphasised. “We are talking about ammunition, heavy equipment, and other complex cargo that must reach the frontlines without delay.” 

The reliance on contractors is complemented by military assets and multinational cooperation, creating a three-tier transport system. Military aircraft, commercial contracts, and allied contributions ensure both redundancy and resilience, allowing the Bundeswehr to operate effectively even under threat.

Air transport, in particular, remains a critical element. While heavy air cargo missions are no longer routine, Brigadier General Lungershausen pointed out that “effectiveness is way more important than efficiency… air transport is expensive, but it is definitely our last resort when other options won’t work.” 

In 2024, Bundeswehr air operations included over 180 flights supporting UN missions in Lebanon and dozens more for counter-terrorism operations, demonstrating that rapid, reliable airfreight remains indispensable.

A challenging environment

Despite sophisticated planning, challenges remain. Brigadier General Lungershausen acknowledged the risks posed by conflicts on NATO’s eastern flank. While civilian contractors can handle logistics in low-risk areas, military personnel must assume responsibility in high-threat zones. “We have some threat cycles… where there is a high-risk area, we will do our job,” he explained.

Infrastructure is another concern. Roads, rails, and bridges in Germany may not always support the heavy transport needed for armoured vehicles and ammunition. The Bundeswehr is coordinating with government agencies to ensure these vulnerabilities are addressed, but as Lungershausen conceded, “It is a work in progress. I have no solution for that yet.”

Even supply chain continuity during conflict is complex. The withdrawal of major contractors like Schenker poses challenges, yet the command maintains multiple contracts to fill gaps. Brigadier General Lungershausen stressed the careful planning involved: “We bring our requirements to procurement and find contractors to fill these gaps. We aim to have at least two options for every essential transport.”