Surge complexities in defense industry supply chains: evidence from multiple case studies

Purpose The defense industry strives to balance the conflicting demands of its customers by ensuring reliability and cost-effective efficiency during peacetime while remaining adaptable to sudden shifts in product demand during conflict and war. This dual nature of supply chains—requiring both efficiency in peacetime and agility in wartime—creates a unique and complex dynamic that has received limited academic attention within the defense sector. This article investigates surge complexity along the Swedish defense industry supply chains and its impact on performance. Design/methodology/approach Using results from a mapping analysis, interviews, and study visits, a systematic analysis of four different defense products from defense companies in Sweden is undertaken to investigate the variation in product complexity among the chosen cases. Findings Findings show that defense supply chain complexity can be emphasized by structural, process, and product characteristics. Wide-ranging supply chain structural drivers of complexity across the case supply chains and key drivers within the four cases are identified. Research limitations/implications The results of this study are systemic and specific to the Swedish defense industry. Still, the methods applied are relevant to the supply chains in other countries facing similar product circumstances. Practical implications For managers in defense companies and their customers, it is crucial to comprehend the unique limitations of the supply chain when dealing with complex products to become familiar with the potential surge complexities. Originality/value This research is distinctive in its in-depth analysis of complexity drivers within a defense industry context.