Rising military tensions, trade disputes, and shifting global power dynamics are exposing defence supply chains to increasing disruption, from shortages of critical raw materials to restrictions on strategic components. In this context, better monitoring has become essential.
In a recent commentary for The Armament Industry European Research Group (ARES Group), Irina Patrahau argues that this growing focus on supply chain monitoring should not be viewed only through the lens of security and resilience, but also be used as an opportunity to strengthen sustainability reporting.
While supply chain oversight introduced for security reasons will not automatically deliver better environmental or sustainability data, it can create the structures needed to make that integration much easier over time.
If designed carefully, monitoring systems can serve both defence readiness and broader sustainability goals.
Patrahau emphasises that this dual-use potential should be approached pragmatically. Monitoring should reinforce operational effectiveness, not undermine it. But with phased integration, the same systems that improve security and resilience can also help build a more transparent and sustainable defence industrial base.
You can read the full piece here: Defence supply chain monitoring: Leveraging geopolitical challenges for sustainability gains – IRIS
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