Forfield alliance targets stronger supply chains for UK defence organisations

Forfield, a new alliance spanning logistics, procurement, digital technology and programme management, has been launched to help UK defence organisations manage critical equipment and materials as military supply chains become more demanding.

The alliance brings together Kuehne+Nagel, TVS Supply Chain Solutions, Atos and Turner & Townsend, four companies with established defence and supply chain businesses.

Rather than concentrating on one part of the logistics chain, Forfield is intended to provide expertise across the process, from procurement and inventory management to secure digital systems, transport and programme oversight.

The companies say the aim is to give defence organisations better visibility of their supply chains, allowing them to make quicker decisions and reduce the operational risks caused by disruption.

The launch comes at a time when defence supply chains are having to cope with changing operational requirements, geopolitical uncertainty and increasingly complex networks of suppliers. For military customers, the issue is not simply whether equipment can be procured, but whether it is available and can reach the point of need when required.

Four capabilities under one alliance

Forfield divides its capabilities between the four partners.

Kuehne+Nagel will provide global transport and logistics, customs and supply chain management. TVS Supply Chain Solutions will cover procurement, demand planning and inventory management for defence customers.

Atos brings secure digital systems and cybersecurity, while Turner & Townsend will provide programme management, commercial oversight and governance.

The companies say they bring more than 170 years of combined experience serving defence customers, including the UK Ministry of Defence.

Together, the four partners employ more than 14,000 people in the UK. All four also hold the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for their support of the Armed Forces community.

Aaron Scott, Kuehne+Nagel UK Managing Director, said the alliance would combine capabilities that address different parts of the defence logistics requirement.

“Forfield combines the complementary expertise of four highly experienced partners to support the evolving logistics requirements of the UK Defence sector,” Scott said.

“Kuehne+Nagel brings its UK and global logistics expertise to ensure critical equipment and materials reach the right place at the right time.”

Visibility becomes central to readiness

Forfield is placing particular emphasis on supply chain visibility. The principle is straightforward: defence organisations need an accurate picture of what equipment and materials are available, where they are and how quickly they can be delivered.

That becomes harder when supply networks stretch across multiple suppliers and countries, or when operational requirements change at short notice.

The alliance says combining procurement, inventory planning and logistics with secure digital systems should help customers identify problems earlier and make decisions using a clearer view of the supply chain.

Roger West, Managing Director, Defence and Government at TVS Supply Chain Solutions, said resilience increasingly depends on that ability to see and respond to disruption.

“In an increasingly unpredictable environment, operational readiness depends on visibility, insight and agility across the supply chain,” West said.

“As demands evolve, organisations need supply chains that can adapt quickly, perform consistently and remain resilient in the face of disruption.”

Forfield has not announced a specific Ministry of Defence contract as part of its launch. Instead, the four companies are presenting the alliance as a combined offering for UK defence organisations requiring support across several parts of their supply chains.

That distinction is important. The announcement is not about a new MoD procurement programme or the award of a logistics contract. It is the creation of an industry alliance intended to compete for and deliver defence supply chain work.

Forfield says the intended result is greater visibility and resilience, with critical equipment and materials available when operational requirements change.