The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer just a buzzword for consumer smart devices—it’s transforming military logistics, automation, and decision-making on the battlefield. A new study published in *Vojnotehnički Glasnik* (Serbian for *Technical Gazette of Military Engineering*), led by Vlada S. Sokolović from the University of Defence in Belgrade, explores how IoT is revolutionizing defence systems and what lies ahead for its application in the sector.
**IoT: From Smart Homes to Smart Battlefields**
The IoT—defined as a network of interconnected devices that communicate with each other and the cloud—has long been used for optimising supply chains, monitoring energy grids, and improving industrial efficiency. But its potential in the defence sector is only beginning to be realised.
Sokolović’s research highlights how IoT-enabled sensor networks could drastically improve military logistics, predictive maintenance, and real-time battlefield decision-making. By integrating IoT with artificial intelligence (AI), armed forces could automate supply chain monitoring, optimise equipment performance, and enhance situational awareness.
“IoT services will contribute to greater automation and better military decisions, especially in unpredictable scenarios,” explains Sokolović. “This could reduce both human and material losses in operations by enabling faster, data-driven responses.”
**Beyond the Sensors: Tangible Military Applications**
The study identifies several key military applications of IoT:
– **Military Logistics:** IoT sensors can track fuel, ammunition, and equipment in real-time, reducing delays and improving supply chain efficiency.
– **Equipment Performance:** Embedded sensors monitor vehicle and machinery health, allowing for predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.
– **Battlefield Automation:** IoT-linked networks enable autonomous systems to share data, improving coordination between drones, vehicles, and soldier-worn devices.
– **Energy Management:** In a defence context, IoT can optimise power distribution across mobile bases or forward operating sites, ensuring mission-critical systems remain operational.
**What This Means for the Future**
The research suggests that IoT adoption in defence will accelerate, with AI-driven analytics playing an increasingly central role. As military systems become more interconnected, the focus will shift towards cybersecurity—ensuring these networks remain resilient against adversarial threats.
For the energy sector, this research underscores a broader trend: the convergence of IoT and AI in industrial and military applications. As governments and enterprises alike invest in smart infrastructure, the technology’s role in optimising logistics and operational efficiency will only grow.
Sokolović’s work, published in *Vojnotehnički Glasnik*, serves as a roadmap for future IoT development in defence and beyond. The question now is not whether IoT will shape future military strategy, but how rapidly its potential can be unlocked.
