While much of the world stands behind Ukraine with flags, slogans, and hashtags, what they need is a hydrated and sustainable supply chain. Logistical and financial bottlenecks are what prevent the swift flow of essential supplies. Ukraine’s defense isn’t just about receiving foreign aid, it’s about sustainable, scalable production to keep up with the demands of a prolonged conflict.
Here’s an idea: why not tap into North America’s manufacturing capabilities to help solve this problem and deliver the weapons Ukraine needs?
Imagine a decentralized network of manufacturers—ranging from medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to larger manufacturers—working together to produce parts and components for Ukraine’s defense. These companies, using CNC and other fabrication technologies, could respond quickly to Ukraine’s needs. The beauty of this idea is that it takes advantage of existing talent and manufacturing infrastructure, but in a flexible, scalable way that keeps production nimble and efficient. Start with a handful and scale as you are able.
Decentralized and Dual-use
A ‘hub’ -Packed with lawyers to manage export controls like EAR and ITAR would need to be created – some licenses are required. It would also of course manage programs from plans distro, QA and logistic. For example, Ukraine would provide CAD files for the parts they need—everything from artillery components to drones—and manufacturers across the continent could begin work on individual components as QA is passed and materials are drop-shipped. This decentralized, dual-use approach could meet both military and civilian needs, ensuring that production lines remain sustainable, even when the demand for military components is high.
The key here is speed; we’re not talking about long lead times that stretch for months. In today’s manufacturing landscape, with the right tech and people in place, parts can be produced in days, not weeks.
I recently read an article, ‘Transforming the Air Force through Digital Materiel Management‘ by Brian Dietrick where the Air Force is referring to an internal supply chain approach that has similarities to this as DMM, or “Digital Materiel Management”. The goal is to reduce manufacturing lead-times our own military experiences back to what it was when the US entered WWII.
“DMM is a way to go fast,” said Kyle Hurst, chief, Air Force Digital Transformation Office. “Right now, it takes us about 16 years to develop and deploy a weapon system for our warfighters. It takes China about seven. That’s nine extra years of training, concept of operations development, and using their weapons to get better.”
The article goes on to say, “Hurst made a powerful historical comparison, highlighting how during World War II, it took just 102 days from the award of the contract to the first P-51 Mustang rolling off the production line, and only 50 days more for it to soar through the skies.”
Some apparel and CPG manufacturers can knock of designs they see at NYC’s Fashion Week, or the Magic show and have approved samples back in hand in under two weeks. That’s the kind of response the world needs to keep Putin from winning.
Once parts are produced, the logistics kicks in. Transporting these components securely to consolidation point and on to Ukraine via Poland or other countries.
Ukraine brigades should be able to request resupplies—ammo, drones, or even medical supplies—directly from the field to initiate and schedule drops. While the network might run on link-16 or whatever Ukraine is currently hooked up with, that data can be transformed, encrypted and routed their distro hub and then to a manufacturing firms in Chicago or Boulder Colorado, (Or anywhere) to be queued up for a CNC production run (Or whatever manufacturing processes are called out).
When we talk about military-grade manufacturing, we’re also talking about creating a future-proof, dual-use supply chain that can transition from defense to civilian applications without missing a beat. Obviously, ordinance and explosive items would need to come from properly suited dealers, but we should build and do what we can do…
Personal Connection
When Russia invaded, I was already overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. The busloads of kids being taken away – that still breaks me down. But as a former ATW weapons gunner, I was hugely gratified at seeing Stingers and Javelins used so well. When I heard my son’s unit was going to be supporting logistics from Europe, it became personal. I was beyond angry that he and his generation could be asked to do something I, and countless others had already invested ourselves in doing decades earlier. It was a horrible feeling to have him there and me here. My days started at 2:30 every morning, pouring through every scrap of public content shared to, or accessible by #NAFO folk such as myself, and searching for any lead or piece of information I could use to make sense of things. I stopped short of getting on a plane, but I continued to look as I always do for a ‘silver bullet’. I imagine a lot of people have had feelings similar – and this isn’t my story.
But I love how Ukraine, and much of the world has come together, albeit slowly, to remember allies are not just places where “duty” refers to fees paid at the airport for CPG.
Seeing how Ukraine’s forces are already adapting to shifting threats with remarkable speed and flexibility made it clear to me—there’s a parallel here. Just as small tactical units on the front lines must remain agile, we can apply the same adaptability to Ukraine’s logistical needs by decentralizing manufacturing. This will create a resilient supply chain capable of responding quickly to their evolving needs.
The ‘Bad News’ is that while the some in the world uses Ukraine for personal politics, and America once again risks its reputation, Ukraine struggles like a long distance runner, continually pushing to sprint past challengers for a better position. It’s unconscionable position to leave other people in.
The ‘Good News’ is that Ukraine’s forces are already adapting small unit modern counterinsurgency tactics, responding with speed and flexibility to ever-shifting threats while reducing Russian economic assets. By applying a pseudo-DMM (Digital Materiel Management) approach to their supply chain, we could mirror this adaptability on the logistical front. A decentralized network of manufacturers would create a resilient, bulletproof supply chain—one that’s far more responsive than relying solely on large, centralized corporations. This approach would ensure critical components are produced and delivered rapidly, meeting the needs of Ukraine’s military in real-time, and ensuring a steady, sustainable flow of supplies despite the unpredictability of war.
More than just a logistical solution—it’s a way for people to legitimately put their innovation where their mouth is and support Ukraine. Those involved wouldn’t just be producing parts—they’d be contributing to a shared cause of defending freedom and sovereignty.
We remember Rosy the Riveter because she took action. She didn’t stay at home and write postcards to friends talking about how shitty things were. She went to work! And it’s important to note she got paid, as did [of course] the company she worked for.
This is where supply chain professionals can make a real difference—by leveraging existing infrastructure, mobilizing manufacturers, and ensuring that Ukraine’s defense is supported by a resilient, responsive supply chain. It’s not just about talking, it’s about rolling up our sleeves and doing the work to help secure Ukraine’s [or another country’s] future.
It would be a huge undertaking and would need to be de-risked and scaled up with some care, but it is a tool that is needed. Perhaps this would be better written from a “What might have been” approach, but they will continue to need support even if the brigades break into counterinsurgency units. By tapping into ideas like Digital Materiel Management, and discrete manufacturing networks, we can maybe turn words like “Slava Ukraini” into a long term plan for delivering the tools Ukraine needs to win.
Ultimately, I’m just a salesperson who hustles. A project like this would need to be handled by much more organized folks to say the least. That being said…
If we can break the dictator Putin, in Ukraine, I want to be included – ale slava Ukrayini!
This is also not more than a theoretical discussion – it would require heavy lifting from lawyers, licenses, and agreements from at least two nations. I don’t advocate, or suggest that folks go into their workshops and start building drone bodies or weapons. And this is not a proposal to do so. Nor am I paid by, or in the employ of any government or foreign organization.