In recent months, the first 3D-printed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was deployed to a combat zone, fighter jets completed successful test flights using 100% biofuel and power-generating gloves capable of keeping troops warm in cold climates were tested. New technologies are changing the face of warfare – as well as its logistical tail.

Recent innovations with military logistics applications have the potential to free up much-needed resources, rebalance force composition and offer operational benefits such as more distributed manoeuvre. Now the question is: for the first time since the Industrial Revolution, can emerging technologies reverse the trend of the ever-growing logistics tail of modern armed forces?