The Ministry of Defence and the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are implementing a pilot project aimed at automating transport logistics

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Command of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (CGF AFU), has launched a pilot project to implement a Transportation Management System (TMS) based on SAP solutions. This initiative aims to automate transport operations, optimize logistics, and enhance the combat readiness of the troops. It is part of a broader transformation of the Ground Forces.

This was announced by Colonel Yurii Pohribnyi, Commander of Logistics for the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

According to him, the system’s functionality enables faster decision-making, efficient use of transport, significant reduction in transportation time, and decreased costs associated with military shipments. Preliminary assessments indicate that the system’s implementation will significantly shorten military cargo delivery times and reduce fuel expenses by 15%.

“We are not merely implementing SAP or TMS—we are creating a model of modern military logistics that transforms not only the management culture but also sets new standards of efficiency. This transformation serves as a force multiplier that strengthens the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and brings Ukraine closer to victory,” stated Yurii Pohribnyi.

As clarified by Lieutenant Yevhen Dordiai, an officer from the Organizational and Planning Department of the CGF AFU Headquarters, TMS automates the entire cycle of transport operations, from request submission to cargo delivery. For example, when a brigade in eastern Ukraine needs ammunition, a logistics officer submits a request through TMS; the system assigns transport, and logistics officers monitor the cargo movement in real-time.

“It resembles the logistics systems used by international corporations, but tailored for the realities of war, with a focus on security, speed, and combat conditions,” the officer noted.

Oksana Ferchuk, Advisor to the Patronage Service of the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, reported that the pilot project for TMS implementation will continue until September. Following an evaluation of its effectiveness, the project will be scaled across the entire transport logistics cluster of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as other branches and components of the Defence Forces.

“The Command of the Ground Forces has once again demonstrated leadership in logistics automation, particularly in the implementation of a modern transport management system. This project combines the real combat experience of the Armed Forces with the best practices in commercial logistics. Undoubtedly, it will be of significant interest to our partners, particularly the armed forces of NATO member states,” concluded Oksana Ferchuk.

The Transportation Management System (TMS) is software designed for route planning, cargo tracking, fleet management, and the analysis of logistical data.

In 2023, the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the General Staff of the AFU and the Logistics Command of the AFU, initiated the implementation of SAP to automate supply and sustainment processes across key rear and military support services.

The implementation of SAP solutions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has already shortened the processing time for logistical requests from several weeks to 2–3 days. Hundreds of military units now utilize the system for managing inventory of assets, spare parts, and equipment, while warehouses have transitioned to digital operations, using scanners instead of paper logs. TMS complements this ecosystem by focusing on transport.

The Command of the Ground Forces has successfully automated logistical processes in areas such as gear and clothing supply, accounting for ground weapon systems, provision of spare parts, and provisioning of unmanned systems.

The SAP system is utilized for defense resource management by 28 NATO member states.