Obsolescence management is pivotal in ensuring a continuous supply of products and services within a supply chain. Accurately forecasting the probability and timing of obsolescence is crucial for companies across the product lifecycle, from design and procurement to supplier selection. This issue is particularly pronounced in the defense industry, where systems are often procured in low volumes, tailored to specific requirements, and purchased irregularly. This study evaluates the accuracy of statistical methods for forecasting product obsolescence in scenarios with limited covariate predictors, using an operational data set. Results indicate that static binning offers more accurate forecasts at the part level. In contrast, dynamic binning is more robust against extreme forecast errors, particularly for larger bin sizes and when lifecycle forecasting is used. Moreover, bin size is a statistically significant factor in forecast accuracy, with greater accuracy at smaller bin sizes. However, when forecasting obsolescence risk, larger bin sizes are more advantageous for parts further along in their lifecycles, with performance further influenced by the probability of obsolescence. These findings have practical implications and provide a foundation for more reliable obsolescence predictions, enabling informed decisions regarding reactive, proactive, and strategic obsolescence management.

This study aims to analyze the degree of air superiority, a strategic concept thatplays a central role in the planning and implementation of modern air operations. This termrefers to the degree of control of an air force over a specific area that allows the execution ofmissions without significant interference from opposing air forces. In general, the degree of airsuperiority is classified into three categories: air parity, air superiority, and air supremacy, eachof which indicates a different degree of dominance over potential enemy air threats. Airdominance is a strategic prerequisite that determines the outcome of modern conflicts. Theconcept of degree of superiority evolves along with changes in technology, doctrine, and thecomplexity of global geopolitics. In the context of air operations, achieving degree of airsuperiority is influenced by various factors, including technological capabilities, theeffectiveness of air defense systems, information mastery, and the efficiency of command,control, communications, computers, intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (C4ISR)systems. The interaction of these factors contributes to the success of joint operations and theability to maintain long-term air dominance. Effective air superiority also directly impacts thefreedom of action of one's own forces in conducting cross-service operations. Acomprehensive understanding of the degree of air superiority is a key factor in strategicdecision-making at the operational level. Integration of technological capabilities, informationsuperiority, and cross-service coordination is necessary to achieve sustainable air dominance.Therefore, analyzing the degree of air superiority is not only crucial for tactical purposes butalso serves as the basis for developing comprehensive air defense doctrine and strategy. Thisarticle discusses the theoretical framework in depth, the factors influencing its achievement,and presents case studies from various conflicts ranging from World War II to potential conflictsin the Indo-Pacific. This study confirms that successfully achieving air superiority depends notonly on air power alone, but also on multi-domain integration, defense industry readiness, andpolitical and diplomatic support.

ABSTRACT Innovation is widely recognized as a driver for sustained organizational performance and long-term competitiveness. However, the growing dominance of the financial logic creates a fundamental tension by prioritizing short-term gains over long-term productive investments. This dynamic is particularly pronounced in industries that develop Complex Products and Systems (CoPS), where innovation cycles are long, capital intensity is high and the risks associated with technological development are substantial. We investigate the non-linear impact of corporate financialization on innovation performance (incremental and radical) and its subsequent effect on firm economic outcomes within this critical industrial context. Using an econometric approach based on dynamic panel data from 295 global Aerospace and Defense (A&D) companies between 2003 and 2022, our results, reveal a nonlinear (inverted U-shaped) relationship between financialization and innovation performance. The findings indicate that moderate levels of financialization may support innovative activity by enhancing liquidity and strengthening governance discipline. However, once financialization surpasses a critical threshold, its effects become restrictive, significantly constraining innovation. This negative impact is particularly pronounced for radical innovation, which depends on patient capital and longer investment horizons compared to incremental improvements. We further demonstrate that these shifts in innovative capacity translate into measurable changes in firms’ broader economic performance. Taken together, these results carry important implications for corporate governance, capital allocation strategies, and policy design in capital-intensive, technology-driven industries.

ABSTRACT This article examines cultural variation through the concept of military strategic diversity among European Union (EU) member states participating in the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). Using a quantitative approach, it analyses the participation of member states in 72 PESCO projects authorised by the European Commission across five waves between 2017 and 2023. The study investigates the extent to which post-communist EU members differ from the historical NATO states – the traditional core of European defence capabilities – in terms of military capacity and the determinants of their engagement in PESCO. Drawing on three levels of statistical analysis, the findings suggest that PESCO initially served as a mechanism for addressing military capability gaps and enhancing operational effectiveness, before evolving into a driver of innovation within the EU’s defence industrial base. The results further reveal that the Baltic states benefited most substantially across all operational capability domains, while broader post-communist participation remained limited to smaller, Combat Support Service – oriented projects. The study concludes that countries with established defence industries – particularly France, Germany, and Italy – secured the greatest advantages from PESCO’s institutional and industrial dynamics.

ABSTRACT Despite accelerated efforts to consolidate the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), Eastern and Central European (ECE) states continue struggling with cross-border integration. This presents a theoretical puzzle: while ECE states operate as Dependent Market Economies (DMEs) which are defined by extreme integration through foreign penetration in their civilian sectors, they aggressively insulate their defence industries from similar integration. This article conceptualizes this phenomenon as the ‘Inverse DME model.’ Utilizing a comparative research design, we contrast the institutional logic of defence sectors in major ECE defence producers (Czechia, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia) against a control group of Western small open economies (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden). We argue that ECE defence protectionism is a long-term rational strategy driven by sectoral developmentalism. Constrained by EU Single Market regulations in the general economy, ECE states utilize defence industrial exemptions to treat the defence sector as a developmental enclave. These findings challenge standard explanations, suggesting that lack of European defence integration with these countries is driven by a distinct, and previously unexamined, variety of defence-industrial capitalism aimed at overcoming peripheral economic dependency.

Abstract The more versatile engineering application of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics is impeded by their innate low fracture toughness and high brittleness. To overcome such bottleneck and among others, retrofitting SiC with graphene-based additives has recently proved to be a practical way to attain modified SiC with augmented damage resistance. Nonetheless, the above-mentioned approach received less attention from computational modeling perspective. In that regard, the current study proposes a multiscale computational approach to further investigate the damage mechanics of SiC ceramics with graphene inclusions. First, ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations are conducted to extract the interfacial properties (i.e., cohesive zone) of the graphene-SiC ceramics. Then, the fracture and crack propagation of the hybrid graphene-SiC composites subjected to tensile loading are investigated using the phase field model of fracture in conjunction with the identified cohesive zone properties. Corroborated by some of the available experimental evidence from the existing reports, the numerical results evince that (a) complete fracture of the hybrid material is de facto delayed by embedding the graphene additives, (b) higher resistance to complete fracture is obtained by increasing volume fraction and utilizing graphene inclusion with larger sizes, and (c) for a certain volume fraction ( v f = 0.375%), double layer graphene inclusion would slightly outperform the single layer graphene in terms of enhancing the fracture resistance of SiC ceramic composite. Further, the influences of the ambient temperature, defect location, and defect density (single defect versus multiple defects) on the fracture of the graphene-SiC composites are also addressed. The proposed approach and findings of this study offer insights into the bottom-up design pathways for developing multifunctional and damage-tolerant novel ceramic matrix composites for applications in structural engineering, energy devices, defense, and aerospace industries.

Abstract The war in Ukraine has increased attention to Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), though most research focuses on tactical use or effects on public opinion. This article asks whether OSINF can be methodically transformed into reliable strategic intelligence under wartime uncertainty. Using Russia’s defence industry as a case study, we compare three production scenarios: official claims, expert estimates, and an Open Source Information–based (OSINF) model derived from shares in battlefield losses. The OSINT scenario shows large discrepancies, suggesting actual output is much lower than reported. We argue that with proper methodological treatment, presented in the paper, OSINF now offers sufficient detail to assess national defence capacity. Our approach demonstrates OSINT’s potential to complement traditional intelligence by introducing a novel methodological framework for cross-validating OSINT-derived data against official claims and expert estimates. The findings engage scholarly debates on the integration of OSINT with conventional frameworks by providing a replicable and transparent model for producing more accurate strategic assessments, even at the strategic level.

ABSTRACT Russia’s perceived expansionist aims and the United States' shift towards an “America First” policy have driven NATO member states to boost defence spending significantly. At the recent NATO summit in The Hague, members agreed to raise defence expenditures to 5% of GDP, allocating 3.5% to military capabilities and 1.5% to infrastructure and cybersecurity. This paper explores the implications of this target, focusing on which NATO countries are best positioned to meet it and which may struggle. It compares current defence spending with the new goals, assessing the fiscal feasibility of these increases through taxation or public debt. The analysis also considers how strong domestic defence industries may benefit certain states economically. The study evaluates which member states are likely to gain from increased military spending and which may fall short, highlighting the uneven capacity among NATO members to adapt to this ambitious defence agenda.

This paper seeks to evaluate the effect of job training and organizational culture on job satisfaction and its effect on turnover intentions at PT Len Industri (Persero) after it changed its status to the Defense Industry Holding, Defend ID. This is due to the organizational restructuring and changes in human resources management that have resulted in changes in the organizational system, as evidenced by low scores in the Career and Development and Growth and Development factors, among others. This proposed study involves an associative quantitative approach with an explanatory design, where 162 valid questionnaires were collected through purposive sampling of employees in the directorate with the lowest performance score. The data were collected by a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed by means of PLS-SEM using SmartPLS 4.0. Results indicate that both job training and organizational culture have positive and significant effects on job satisfaction, while the latter was the strongest predictor. Further, it is found that job satisfaction has a negative and significant effect on turnover intention and significantly mediates the relationships between job training and turnover intention as well as between organizational culture and turnover intention. These findings underlined the central role of job satisfaction as a psychological mechanism linking human capital development and organizational environment to employee retention and provided practical insights for strengthening training effectiveness and organizational culture in support of workforce stability in view of the Defend ID transformation.

During the Great Patriotic War, in the context of large-scale destruction of housing stock, relocation of production facilities, and mass evacuation of the population to the east and southeast of the country, as well as the mobilization of the rural population to work in defense industry enterprises, the issue of housing provision became acute. The growth of the urban population significantly exceeded the capacity of existing buildings, leading to a severe housing problem. As a result, the social and economic needs of society necessitated the expansion of the housing stock. In this article, the authors examine the features of the housing construction industry's development during the Great Patriotic War, characterize the legislative measures to support and stimulate the industry, analyze the issues of its financing, and identify the main problems of housing construction during the Great Patriotic War.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Selection with Different MCDM Methods in Defense Industry

The development of carbon fiber–reinforced composites (CFRCs) has significantly advanced material science by integrating high strength, low weight, and long-term durability into a single material system. In this study, electroless nickel (EN) plating was applied to carbon fiber rods to enhance their interfacial compatibility with the Al6061 alloy matrix fabricated through stir casting. Before plating, the fibers were cleaned, cut to size, sensitized, and activated before deposition under EN832 bath conditions. The treated fibers were then incorporated into molten Al6061 and solidified in preheated dies. Material characterization was carried out in accordance with ASTM standards, including density evaluation, Brinell and Vickers hardness testing, and pin-on-disc wear and friction analysis. Microstructural and compositional studies using SEM–EDX confirmed a uniform nickel coating with effective chemical distribution across the fiber surface. The Ni plating substantially improved wettability and interfacial adhesion, resulting in composites with higher hardness, improved strength, reduced density, lower coefficient of friction, and significantly enhanced wear resistance compared to unreinforced Al6061 alloy. An optimized nickel layer thickness provided strong bonding without compromising the integrity of the fibers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of electroless nickel plating on interfacial bonding, mechanical behavior, and tribological performance of carbon fiber–reinforced Al6061 composites, and to establish its suitability for lightweight, highperformance engineering applications. The enhanced mechanical and tribological performance demonstrate that Ni-coated CF/Al6061 composites are promising candidates for aerospace, defense, automotive, and other advanced engineering industries.

Inconel-718 is widely utilized in the aerospace and defense industries owing to its exceptional strength and thermal resistance. However, these properties make grinding difficult, often leading to rapid tool wear and poor surface quality. This study experimentally evaluates the use of an ecofriendly surface-active medium (SAM) with ultrasonic-assisted surface grinding (USG) as part of an advanced manufacturing process. The goal is to improve machining performance while reducing cutting force and material usage. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed strategy, the key processing parameters considered are the depth of cut ap (15–35 μm), spindle speed ω (8000–16 000 rpm), ultrasonic amplitude A (2–10 μm), and feed rate fr (5–25 mm/min). The results indicate that the integration of an SAM with high-frequency vibrations significantly reduces grinding forces (by up to 39.86%), enhances tool life, and improve surface finish by as much as 56.8%. Additionally, the optimal cutting conditions (ap= 30 μm, A = 10 μm, ω = 16 000 rpm, and fr = 20 mm/min) are found to provide superior cutting performance. The proposed sustainable method demonstrates considerable potential for machining Inconel-718 using better machining processes.

Although traditional homogeneous SiCp reinforced aluminum matrix composites have characteristics such as high specific strength, low thermal expansion coefficient, and excellent wear resistance, but their isotropic properties are difficult to meet the gradient requirements of material properties under complex working conditions. Therefore, SiCp reinforced aluminum matrix composite gradient materials have attracted much attention in aerospace, defense and military industries. This study focuses on the preparation of SiCp/6092Al composite materials with different silicon carbide contents (15%, 20%, and 25%) using the powder metallurgy method. Gradient composite materials were prepared using the ECAP method, and the resulting variations in their microstructure and properties were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that: Based on powder metallurgy technology and large plastic deformation ECAP technology, SiCp/6092Al gradient composite materials with good interfacial bonding have been prepared, and the results of hardness and tensile strength tests show that compared with single volume fraction materials, the prepared gradient composite material has the characteristics of surface ablation resistance, intermediate layer high thermal conductivity, and matrix toughening.

The center of mass is a key parameter characterizing the mass distribution of an object, and its measurement holds significant importance in high-tech fields such as aerospace, the defense industry, and precision manufacturing. With modern engineering demanding ever-increasing spacecraft flight stability, control precision, and precision measurement requirements, the accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability of center of mass measurement have also become research hotspots. This paper systematically reviews current mainstream measurement techniques, including static and dynamic methods, while analyzing their respective advantages and sources of error. By comparing Chinese and non-Chinese achievements in center of mass measurement equipment development and engineering applications, it identifies existing challenges and issues in the field and outlines future trends in center of mass measurement technology.

Amid shifts in the global power structure, the defence industry is emerging as a crucial sector for economic development and national security. It is closely related to the industrial structure and developed in the form of the military-industrial complex (MIC). This article examines South Korea’s defence industry development strategies to explore actionable insights for Poland. By integrating technological advancement with robust support for the defence sector, South Korea has crafted a unique model that strengthens technological autonomy and security in a volatile global economic and political order. The impact of South Korea’s defence industry on its national economy is evident in employment generation, technology innovation, and dynamic partnerships with the private sector, underscoring its role in economic resilience and competitiveness. The article highlights the potential benefits for Poland, which faces its own geopolitical challenges and modernisation needs, in drawing from South Korea’s experiences. With a strategic focus on enhancing civil-defence sector cooperation, technological innovation, and international partnerships, Poland could bolster its industrial growth and defence capabilities, contributing to long-term economic security and regional stability.

This research aims to formulate an effective corporate strategy for PT Pindad to penetrate the Middle East defense market. Using the AFI (Analyze–Formulate–Implement) framework as a foundation, the study applies PESTEL, Porter’s five forces, VRIO, and SWOT analyses to comprehensively evaluate the current conditions. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders. Findings indicate that the Middle East presents an extremely potential market but with a highly competitive landscape. Based on the Ansoff matrix, this research proposes a stage-based corporate strategy, beginning with market development, leveraging PT Pindad’s existing product portfolio and diplomatic networks for short-term market access and transitioning toward Diversification through co-development of advanced defense technologies with regional partners. This two-phase strategy offers a balance between risk mitigation and long-term competitive advantage.

The article was first published in the US Army Journal Military Review:https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/September-October-2025/Lessons-from-Ukraine/ Russia has demonstrated a remarkable ability to quickly learn and innovate despite suffering substantial losses in Ukraine. This makes Russia a challenging enemy that defies previous assumptions about its military strengths. This article argues that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (AFRF) has successfully adapted their conduct of war by integrating new technologies and tactics, thereby enhancing their combat effectiveness against the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). By focusing on drone and electronic warfare (EW), this adaptation has led to demonstrable shifts in battlefield dynamics and has boosted operational capabilities, presenting a serious challenge to traditional NATO defense strategies. Using the military innovations theory developed by Michael C. Horowitz and Shira Pindyck, this article examines how the AFRF has adapted its conduct of war based on lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine, particularly where the AFRF has demonstrated significant technological and tactical advancements [1]. Horowitz and Pindyck’s theory outlines the stages of invention, incubation, and implementation, which are applied to analyze three specific case studies: the use of Iranian one-way attack (OWA) Shahed drones, first-person-view (FPV) drones, and lightweight EW systems. Of note, this article does not explore other military innovations like glide aviation bombs or reconnaissance-strike complexes, as their examination would exceed the scope of this article. This analysis shows the AFRF’s ability to innovate, challenging perceptions of its rigidity and resistance to change. Military innovations in the use of Shahed drones, FPV drones, and counter-unmanned aerial vehicles (C-UAV) while also using lightweight EW systems illustrate Russia’s capacity to institutionalize innovation within its doctrine, force structures, and the military-industrial complex. These changes are a potential threat to the Baltic States and their NATO allies, given its geographical proximity. It highlights the urgent need to address these challenges to prepare for future wars.

Problem statement. The relevance of the topic is due to the fact that information in modern society has acquired the status of a strategic resource that determines the level of competitiveness, security and institutional capacity of the state. During martial law, it is information systems that provide operational management of economic processes, coordination between government, business and citizens, support for critical infrastructure, as well as analytical monitoring of the situation in real time. Digital technologies create opportunities for maintaining the functioning of the financial system, e-governance, defense industry and educational and scientific space, which makes them a central element of the economic resilience of the state. The article is aimed at determining the target function of the information economy under martial law. Methods used in the study: systematization and generalization, tabular and structural, monographic analysis, etc. The hypothesis of the study was the assumption that the target function has subfunctions and bivalent nature. Summary of the main material: the study made it possible to systematically characterize the essence, structure and target function of the information economy under martial law. It has been established that it is not only a component of digital transformation, but also a key element of national security, capable of ensuring the sustainability of public administration, production processes and socio-economic communication. The information economy in crisis conditions acquires a bivalent nature: at the same time it is a tool for preserving the functioning of basic institutions and a catalyst for innovative changes. security and innovation within limited resources and high risks. Its implementation covers a number of subfunctions: stabilization, security, communication, innovation-adaptive, resilience, analytical, social and humanitarian and others. Together, they form an integrated system of digital resilience of the state, combining short-term survival tasks with long-term goals of post-war development. The originality and practical significance of the study lies in the bivalent approach to the formation of the target function of the information economy under martial law. Conclusions. The information economy becomes the basis of Ukraine's digital sovereignty, contributes to the development of e-governance, increases the transparency of management, the effectiveness of state decisions, and forms the prerequisites for a new architectonics of the economic system in the post-war period. Further research lies in the plane of adaptation of the target function of the information economy to the conditions of the post-war state.

This research aims to analyze the strategic cooperation between PT. Pindad, an Indonesian defense company, and MBDA (Matra Bae Dynamics Alenia), a leading missile systems company from France, in the development and production of the Mistral Atlas platform. This cooperation represents a crucial step in enhancing Indonesia's national defense capacity, particularly in addressing increasingly complex aerial threats. The research examines the collaboration process, technical challenges encountered, and the impact of this partnership on product innovation, competitive advantage, and company performance. The results of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis indicate that the strategic alliance between PT. Pindad and MBDA has a significant positive impact on enhancing product innovation, as manifested in product value. This alliance not only improves PT. Pindad's employees' skills through technology transfer but also contributes to greater product differentiation, which directly strengthens the company's competitive advantage. Product differentiation, in turn, has a significant impact on PT. Pindad's financial performance, thereby boosting the company's competitiveness in the global defense industry market. This research identifies key factors influencing the success of this strategic cooperation, including alliance quality, goal alignment, and employee skills. Based on these findings, the research provides recommendations for further development in the defense industry, particularly in enhancing product innovation and strengthening competitiveness through effective strategic collaboration. Thus, this research is expected to contribute significantly to understanding strategic cooperation in the defense industry and to support efforts to increase Indonesia's defense self-reliance.