We are thrilled to introduce the first article in our new “PESCO Highlight” collection. This Q&A-style feature spotlights the dedicated work of participating Member States as they execute their projects. Project coordinators have been invited to share the successes, challenges, and key lessons learned along the way. As the premier article, we are delighted to feature the Network of Logistic Hubs in Europe and Support to Operations (NetLogHubs) PESCO project, with responses from project coordinator Commander (Navy) Niklas Mundt, from the German Federal Ministry of Defence.

What is NetLogHubs?

The project aims at the establishment and operation of a network of logistic hubs within Europe, entailing concertedly operated logistic flow management capabilities. Ultimately, the project will support the deployment and redeployment process and the sustainment of operations to improve strategic logistic support and force projection in EU Missions and Operations. It supports cross-border solutions for more efficient, seamless military transport and connects existing European initiatives under one logistic umbrella.

Questions & Answers

What do you think has contributed to project successes?
The key factor for the success of the project is the unity of effort of all participating nations. All partners work together for the common goal of strengthening the European pillar of logistics combining EU members and partners. It is by design not a NATO project, even though NATO processes are used where it is sensible to do so to reduce parallel structures. Nevertheless, a certain amount of redundancy is on purpose so that more options and alternatives can be offered during planning processes.

Are there any specific deliverables that you are particularly proud/happy about?
The achievement of having 27 registered LogHubs is something we are quite proud of. They are the basis for our functioning network and the nucleus for a possible expansion with more LogHubs within the current partner nations or even with additional partners in the future.

What is/was the communication strategy for this project?
There are regular fruitful talks on the strategic as well as the tactical level. The communication is based on a very good mutual understanding and trust between the partners. In the future, it might be beneficial to create a dedicated STRATCOM strategy, but this is not decided, yet.

Which lifecycle phase of the project was the most challenging?
As they say, the next phase is always the most challenging. The next decision will be how the project will evolve after the Full Operational Capability (FOC) declaration which is planned for the end of 2025. But with the outstanding cooperation from all partner nations there can’t be any doubt that we will master it as well as we have done so in the past.

Are there any lessons learned from the project that you can share?
Working in a multinational project with no clear military hierarchy between the partners can be quite different from the ways we are used to operate in. Using a more collaborative way, direction and alignment have to be discussed and agreed upon before a commitment can be achieved which ultimately leads to the execution of the plans. While unfamiliar to some, thanks to the very good cooperation between the partners, the results are there and they speak for themselves.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
The network with the 27 LogHubs provides a robust and promising opportunity for partners. Now the time has come to challenge the network by using it even more in day-to-day operations, exercises and deployments. Only through using it we can grow the network and identify the chances for further improvement as well as enhance proficiency in the execution of combined logistics under the umbrella of the PESCO Project NetLogHubs.

About project coordinator Niklas Mundt:
It is a great pleasure for me to coordinate this project from within the Federal Ministry of Defence. In particular, the prospect of transferring this project to regular operations in the near future is already exciting. Married, with two grown-up boys, I spent more than 25 years in military logistics, including various assignments in the fleet, offices and commands.

More information on the project can be found here: Network of Logistic Hubs in Europe and Support to Operations (NetLogHubs) | PESCO