### **Strategic Lessons from the Past: How Ottoman Supply Chains Can Guide Modern Defence Logistics**
A groundbreaking study published in the *Journal of Defense Resources Management* has revisited a 500-year-old military campaign to highlight the enduring importance of supply chain management in modern warfare. The research, led by Salih Aygün of the National Defense University in Istanbul, examines Yavuz Sultan Selim’s 16th-century invasion of Egypt—an operation that demonstrated the critical role of logistics in military strategy.
For modern defence sectors, the study offers a stark reminder: the success of any operation hinges on the ability to maintain resilient and efficient supply chains. As nations like the UK and Germany expand their defence manufacturing partnerships, Aygün’s findings underscore the need to integrate supply chain resilience into strategic planning.
**Lessons from History**
Sultan Selim’s campaign was a logistical marvel. Facing unpredictable desert conditions and lengthy supply routes, the Ottomans devised a system that ensured continuous flow of resources, from food and weapons to medical supplies. As Aygün explains, this approach wasn’t just about sustaining troops—it was about maintaining operational flexibility.
“When we evaluated Selim’s Egypt campaign with the challenges of the era, we saw that strategic supply chain management was as crucial to victory as tactical brilliance,” Aygün says. His research suggests that modern militaries must adopt a similar mindset, particularly as conflicts become more complex and prolonged.
**Modern Implications**
The findings come at a pivotal moment for the defence industry. As seen in Stark’s expansion into the UK, the integration of advanced manufacturing with robust supply networks is becoming a cornerstone of modern military strategy. The study suggests that future conflicts—especially those involving drones and autonomous systems—will require even greater emphasis on supply chain resilience.
For the energy sector, this research carries weight. As countries ramp up defence production, ensuring that critical infrastructure—such as fuel supply chains—remains secure is paramount. The lessons from Selim’s campaign could guide energy companies in fortifying their logistics networks against disruptions.
**A Blueprint for the Future**
Aygün’s work is more than a historical analysis; it’s a roadmap for contemporary military and industrial leaders. By revisiting the past, the study provides a compelling argument for investing in supply chain management as a core component of strategic defence planning. For the UK and Germany, this means not only advancing manufacturing capabilities but also ensuring that the supply chains supporting these technologies are as resilient as the systems themselves.
As the world navigates an era of geopolitical uncertainty, the lessons from history could prove invaluable. The question now is: will modern leaders heed the call?
