![]() ![]() allies-will need to be sustained and fueled, and some of this support requires a significant logistics footprint. The equipment provided to Ukraine-including air defense, self-propelled howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, Soviet-era fighter jets from Poland and Slovakia, and most recently the promise of F-16 fighter jets from U.S. ![]() Ultimate success may depend on having enough fuel to support the mobility requirements of air and ground weapon systems.” –“ Chapter 8: Fueling the Force,” Army Field Manual 54-30Īs the war continues into its second year, it has become increasingly clear that conventional heavy force, capabilities, and fires-as well as a constant and continued supply of Western weapons systems-are key to defeating Russia. A force can move and attack only as long as vehicles and weapon systems receive fuel, oils, and lubricants. Thus, increasing operations energy capabilities, including storage and distribution, and reducing risks associated with the lack of or dependence on vulnerable supply lines are critical supporting capabilities for the future fight. ![]() Enhanced ability to operate in contested environments as well as maintaining forward defense on NATO’s eastern flank will result in higher fuel consumption and, in turn, will require a larger logistics footprint. Efforts to increase the readiness and enablement of NATO forces should therefore explicitly take into consideration the logistics implications and the compounding effects of rising logistics requirements, including fuel. One fundamental component of warfighting capability underpinning all others is operational energy broadly and fuel specifically, both in peacetime and wartime. Left unchecked, they could weaken the alliance’s collective resilience and undercut efforts to provide continuous military support to Ukraine, stopping the military momentum on the ground from shifting decisively in its favor. The need to meet these looming and often-overlooked challenges is acute. Yet, the conflict highlighted capability gaps, readiness shortfalls and problem points across the alliance, including ever more contested logistics, vulnerable transport infrastructure, and growing energy insecurity. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) initial response to Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine signaled a commitment to strengthening deterrence and defense posture. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |