UK Military Tests Supply Chain Resilience with Full-Scale War Simulation

This week, the UK military kicked off a major exercise designed to answer some pressing questions: Can Britain’s armed forces sustain a full-scale conflict? Are supply chains strong enough to deliver what’s needed when it matters most?

For the first time, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) isn’t just relying on military commanders to figure it out—they’ve invited key players from the defense industry to the table to help “stress-test” their systems.

Taking place at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, the week-long simulation explores scenarios involving intense fighting and persistent logistical challenges. Think of it as a trial run for wartime chaos, complete with artillery shortages, disrupted transport routes, and the need for rapid innovation.

Companies like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, and Babcock are front and center, ensuring their systems can handle the heat.

Why Now? Lessons From the Past

This isn’t the first time the UK has run this kind of drill, but previous exercises have highlighted some glaring weaknesses.

In 2021, British soldiers participating in a similar war game ran out of ammunition before the 10-day exercise was even finished. Sobering, isn’t it?

These findings, coupled with warnings from defense leaders, paint a worrying picture.

Earlier this year, former Chief of the General Staff Patrick Sanders bluntly stated that the UK military is “too small” to survive a war on the scale of Ukraine’s conflict.

Add recruitment struggles and depleted stockpiles to the mix, and it’s clear why some have called Britain “unfit for war.”

The MoD isn’t turning a blind eye to these issues. This exercise is a bold step toward identifying and fixing vulnerabilities, particularly in supply chains for critical assets like artillery munitions and drones.

The video below highlights Tobias Ellwood MP’s 2022 warning that UK forces could run out of ammunition within two weeks due to aiding Ukraine.

Focus on Artillery and Drones

Artillery and drones have become the bread and butter of modern warfare. They’re also being used in staggering quantities in Ukraine, with thousands expended every week.

The UK’s war game is putting these resources to the test, simulating how to produce, transport, and deploy them under the kinds of pressures that only war can bring.

These stress tests aren’t just academic. They’ll provide valuable insights into potential choke points—where production might falter or transport routes might fail under attack. The goal? To ensure the UK’s military can keep fighting when the stakes are highest.

Building a Resilient Supply Chain

Defense Secretary John Healey made it clear that this isn’t just about the military—it’s about government and industry working together.

“Innovation at wartime speed” is the mantra, as BBC News noted, and this exercise aims to ensure that key suppliers can deliver, even in the face of disruption.

The timing of this exercise coincides with the government’s upcoming defense industrial strategy, which Healey says will not only strengthen supply chains but also boost British industry.

It’s about more than just survival—it’s about sending a strong message to adversaries like Russia that the UK is prepared for anything.

Learning From Ukraine

The ongoing war in Ukraine has been a wake-up call for Europe’s defense capabilities.

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, NATO countries—including the UK—could barely produce tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells a year.

Today, that number has climbed to two million annually, but it still lags behind Russia’s estimated three million rounds.

The UK’s latest war game is part of a broader effort to close that gap and ensure the military is ready for prolonged conflict.

It’s not just about quantity but also speed—getting resources where they’re needed, when they’re needed.

🔴 We need to show enemies UK can innovate quickly, John Healey says at his strategy launch

Find out more ⬇️https://t.co/wija5ZtqsQ pic.twitter.com/5418d8ZNNC

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 2, 2024

What’s Next?

The findings from this week’s exercise will inform future strategies and investments, shaping how the UK prepares for large-scale conflicts.

With plans to increase defense spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) next year, the government is doubling down on its commitment to national security.

This war game isn’t just a test—it’s a signal. It shows the UK is serious about addressing its weaknesses and ensuring its armed forces are ready for the challenges of modern warfare.

In a world where conflicts can escalate quickly, preparation isn’t just important—it’s essential.

So, while the thought of running out of ammo in a simulation might make us uneasy, it’s exactly this kind of reality check that’s needed to build a stronger, more resilient military. Because in war, there are no second chances.