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Purpose In response to heightened security concerns, many European countries are rearming their military forces while simultaneously donating substantial quantities of military equipment to Ukraine. This situation has created a significant demand for new military materials and ammunition, both to replenish donated stockpiles and to expand domestic capacities. For the defence industry, these developments impose intense production pressures and place additional strain on subcontractors. This research aims to examine, from a logistical perspective, the changes in the defence industry’s supply chains from before 2022 to the present, identifying key shifts and emerging challenges. Methodology A simplified literature review was conducted, and empirical data were collected through 45 in-depth interviews with representatives from four major defence industry manufacturers in Sweden, the procurement authority and the Swedish Armed Forces. Findings The study reveals a significant shift in priorities for the procurement authority and the Swedish Armed Forces, transitioning from a pre-2022 focus on cost efficiency for specified capabilities to a heightened emphasis on delivery reliability and supply chain security. For the defence industry, the surge in demand has resulted in longer lead times from subcontractors, necessitating the adoption of innovative strategies to enhance delivery capacity. The trade-off between short-term readiness and long-term capability remains difficult to achieve within the industry, primarily because the customer has not historically demanded long-term delivery capacity. Nevertheless, there are emerging initiatives from procurement authorities to establish agreements that cover deliveries over extended periods. Research limitations and implications This study is based on empirical data from Sweden, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. However, the results are likely applicable to other nations experiencing similar circumstances. The findings highlight the need for further research on the strategic adaptations of the defence industry in response to evolving supply chain dynamics. Practical implications A deeper understanding of the defence market conditions supports decision-makers in making more informed and strategic decisions regarding procurement and supply chain management.

A substantial body of research has emerged on the conditions that impact how and when industry stakeholders adopt digital platforms. However, in the construction industry in general—and the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in particular—to date, this research remains fragmented, which hampers our understanding of how digital platforms can enhance productivity and value creation. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of adopting digital platforms and integrating them into the AEC industry. We conduct a systematic literature review on digital platform integration to identify themes that are relevant to the AEC industry. Based on our findings, we develop an integrative model that captures the phases of digital platform adoption and integration and outlines where different industry stakeholders tend to face challenges in this process, and we pinpoint where benefits can be derived. We employ this model to derive a research agenda that will fill the identified knowledge gaps currently existing in our understanding of construction industry stakeholders’ integration within the digital platform space.

The re-establishment of military regiments is a complex and resource-intensive process requiring coordinated efforts among multiple stakeholders. This study examines the logistical challenges associated with re-establishing the Dal Regiment (I13) in Falun, Sweden, with a particular focus on equipment allocation, infrastructure development, and personnel recruitment. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research integrates insights from key stakeholders involved in the regiment’s re-establishment and comparative experiences from the creation of a combat group on Gotland. The findings highlight critical interdependencies between resource availability, logistical planning, and operational effectiveness. Key challenges include personnel shortages, infrastructure limitations, and prolonged procurement timelines for essential equipment. The study underscores the need to balance short-term operational demands with long-term strategic planning to ensure sustainable military expansion. These insights are valuable for defence policymakers and military planners, particularly in the context of strengthening national defence capabilities amid evolving security threats.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of organizational perceptions of digital transformation (DT) within large manufacturing firms and the factors that influence its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs an inductive approach within a case study to investigate DT via unified commerce or omni-channel implementation. Authors conducted 20 in-depth interviews with managers at a Swedish global manufacturing company. The collected data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Findings

Findings indicate five important managerial perceptions of omni channel implementation, including organizational structure, change management toward omni channel and capabilities and competencies. These illustrate critical areas for practitioner consideration via the omni DT deficiency matrix.

Research limitations/implications

This qualitative study employs a single-case approach, utilizing a small sample size. Consequently, caution should be exercised when generalizing the findings. Future research exploring the validation deficiency matrix framework across a broader disciplinary area and population is recommended.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the DT literature with insights from a representative case into the complex processes that underlie the realization of omni channel strategies.

This article examines Sweden’s adaptation of its national military logistics to align with NATO standards following its accession to the Alliance. Focusing on interoperability, strategic alignment, and logistical resilience, the study draws on expert interviews and a targeted literature review to evaluate Sweden’s capability transformation. The findings reveal key challenges in integrating national systems within NATO’s collective framework, including infrastructure limitations, and highlight the critical role of command systems, standardization, a unified taxonomy, joint exercises, and Host Nation Support in enabling seamless logistical coordination. Sweden’s experience offers valuable insights into broader discussions on alliance integration, military mobility, and defense planning within the Nordic region.

This paper explores the evolution and current state of the defence industry over the past decade, with a particular focus on supply chain dynamics and delivery capabilities. Over the past two years, procurement priorities within the Armed Forces have undergone a marked shift, from a primary emphasis on cost efficiency to a heightened concern for supply chain sustainability. Drawing on case studies of four defence industry firms in Sweden, conducted over a research period exceeding two years, the study offers valuable insights into this evolving landscape. A literature framework is developed to contextualize and analyse defence industry supply chains. The research identifies key constraints that limit the industry’s ability to enhance delivery performance and robustness. It provides a detailed assessment of current supply chain structures, underscoring critical challenges and highlighting potential opportunities to strengthen supply security. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by addressing the intersection of NPM reforms, public procurement practices, and the resilience and scalability of defence supply chains. While previous research has examined collaboration, disruption, and logistics in the defence sector, this study offers a novel perspective by analysing the impact of cost-efficiency-driven procurement strategies on supply chains during times of crisis.

Purpose The production and supply capacity of the Swedish defense industry under pressure remains relatively underexplored. However, increasing demand for defense equipment has raised concerns about industry supply chains' robustness and delivery capabilities. This study aims to analyze the robustness and resilience of the value networks in the Swedish defence sector for prolonged crises scenarios. Methodology This study introduces a sociotechnical viability framework to conceptualize supply chain resilience through the using scenario analysis. The framework is informed by complex adaptive systems (CAS) principles, and data are collected from interviews and workshops conducted with four case organizations. System deficiencies were identified using stress tests as an evaluative tool. Findings Findings highlight the urgent need to balance resilience and robustness resilient within defence industry processes, especially amid geopolitical instability and rising security demands. This study enhances our understanding of complexity within defense industry processes by identifying key internal and external constraints. Practical implications The research highlights the importance of proactive risk management, stakeholder collaboration, and trust-building between public and private actors. The application of stress tests offers a practical means to uncover vulnerabilities and design strategies to enhance the robustness and adaptability of supply chains.

Inter-state warfare increasingly exploits the reach and ubiquity of information technology, digital communications, and social media, employing strategies of information warfare (IW) capable of undermining democratic systems and causing destabilization through phenomena such as polarization. This paper aims to investigate the IW strategies used by the Russian state against Sweden in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. To do so, it employs an interpretivist narrative analysis, considering the thematic nature of the various antagonistic plots, or groups of plots, communicated by Russia. The authors collected data from the Russian media channel RT (formerly Russia Today) on articles concerning Sweden in the period following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to identify sub- and main plots, and to determine the development of strategies based on these plots. Results identify a new strategy not previously identified in literature, that of exploitation, and several sub-plots contributing to a narrative in which Sweden is responsible for the failing security situation in Europe. While the authors’ source of data and sample size is limited and, as such, the results may not be generalized to other countries or regions, the methodology applied here can be further validated across a greater number of sources. This study contributes by building upon the growing body of literature on IW and security within the international relations context.

Purpose – The defense industry strives to balance the conflicting demands of its customers by ensuring reliability and cost-effective efficiency during peacetime while remaining adaptable to sudden shifts in product demand during conflict and war. This dual nature of supply chains—requiring both efficiency in peacetime and agility in wartime—creates a unique and complex dynamic that has received limited academic attention within the defense sector. This article investigates surge complexity along the Swedish defense industry supply chains and its impact on performance. Design/methodology/approach – Using results from a mapping analysis, interviews, and study visits, a systematic analysis of four different defense products from defense companies in Sweden is undertaken to investigate the variation in product complexity among the chosen cases. Findings – Findings show that defense supply chain complexity can be emphasized by structural, process, and product characteristics. Wide-ranging supply chain structural drivers of complexity across the case supply chains and key drivers within the four cases are identified. Research limitations/implications – The results of this study are systemic and specific to the Swedish defense industry. Still, the methods applied are relevant to the supply chains in other countries facing similar product circumstances. Practical implications – For managers in defense companies and their customers, it is crucial to comprehend the unique limitations of the supply chain when dealing with complex products to become familiar with the potential surge complexities. Originality/value – This research is distinctive in its in-depth analysis of complexity drivers within a defense industry context.

Purpose

Management and risk techniques within industries have been studied from various disciplines in nondefense-affiliated industries. Given the assumption that these techniques, strategies and mitigations used in one industry apply to other similar industries, this paper examines the defense industry for risk assessment. We characterize interactions for onward application to risk identification in the defense industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a systems theory approach to the characterization of industry interactions, using three dimensions including environment, boundaries and relationships. It develops a framework for identifying relationship types within system-of-systems (SoS) environments by analyzing the features of interactions that occur in such environments.

Findings

The study’s findings show that different systems environments within the defense industry SoS exhibit different interaction characteristics and hence display different relationship patterns, which can indicate potential vulnerabilities.

Research limitations/implications

By employing interaction as a means for evaluating potential risks, this research emphasizes the role played by relationship factors in reducing perceived risks and simultaneously increasing trust.

Originality/value

This paper intends to develop an initial snapshot of the relationship status of the Swedish defense industry in light of the global consolidation in this industry, which is a relevant contextual contribution.