Building logistics networks that survive contested environments

Report Content

Breaking Defense examines how software-defined systems, edge AI, resilient connectivity, smart warehousing and private tactical 5G can help defense logistics networks remain adaptive, observable and survivable in contested environments.

Live Webinar:
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 2p ET / 11am PT


TITLE: Building logistics networks that survive contested environments
Participants can earn 1 CPE credit


AGENDA:


We’ll discuss the following:



  • Why contested logistics has become a more urgent operational challenge

  • How software-defined systems can improve visibility, responsiveness, and survivability

  • Why resilient connectivity is critical to contested environments

  • How smart warehousing, remote updates, and condition-based maintenance can support readiness

  • The role of edge-based AI in helping commanders prioritize logistics decisions

  • How private tactical 5G and future network architectures may support logistics under pressure

  • Where industry sees the most important opportunities across defense logistics


Tech Perspective: Mike Zizza, Sales and Growth Leader, DoW at Wind RiverX


LEARNING OBJECTIVES:



  • How contested logistics extends beyond the movement of fuel, parts, and munitions

  • Why the digital backbone is central to sustainment and battlefield decision-making

  • How software can make logistics networks more adaptive and observable in real time

  • What technical and operational challenges complicate logistics in contested theaters

  • What kinds of digital infrastructure are needed to support resilient logistics operations

  • How software-defined systems relate to readiness, sustainment, and mission effectiveness

  • How defense leaders and industry are thinking about the future of logistics at the battle’s edge


In a future fight, contested logistics will depend not only on moving fuel, parts, and munitions, but on sustaining the digital backbone that lets commanders understand where assets are, what condition they are in, and what must be addressed first. As the Pentagon places new emphasis on operating in contested environments, defense leaders and industry are working to make logistics networks more adaptive, observable, and survivable under pressure.

Breaking Defense has convened a panel of experts to examine how the Pentagon and industry are approaching contested logistics through capabilities such as smart warehousing, condition-based maintenance, remote updates, and edge-based artificial intelligence. The webinar will also explore why resilient, spectrum-agile connectivity, including the potential role of private tactical 5G and future network architectures, is becoming increasingly important to keeping logistics visible and actionable in contested theaters.

The webinar will conclude with a fireside chat focused on how these trends are influencing industry strategy and where the most important opportunities are emerging across defense logistics.


1 CPE credit eligible
Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

In order to receive full credit, you must respond to all three polling questions asked during the live program.


Register Today!





Classification
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category
Logistics
SALUTE Report
Size
N/A
Activity
Discussion on logistics networks in contested environments
Location
Unit
Pentagon and defense industry experts
Time
October 21, 2026
Equipment
software-defined systemssmart warehousingprivate tactical 5Gedge-based AI
Summary

The Pentagon and defense industry experts will discuss logistics networks in contested environments during a webinar on October 21, 2026. The session will cover the importance of resilient connectivity, smart warehousing, and the role of edge-based AI in logistics operations. Participants will explore how software-defined systems can enhance visibility and responsiveness in military logistics.

Key Facts
  • Webinar scheduled for October 21, 2026
  • Focus on logistics networks in contested environments
  • Discussion on the role of technology in logistics
  • Emphasis on resilient connectivity and digital infrastructure
  • Panel includes experts from the defense industry