RFID in defence logistics gives the armed forces an automated, dependable record of men and material on the move. Military formations transport personnel and equipment across some of the most difficult terrain in the country, and communicating their location while in transit has always been a challenge. Movement is traditionally recorded at strategically deployed check posts, with information passed to central command whenever it is sought — sometimes over local telecom networks where available, and often over the forces’ own communication links. The entire process is manual and depends on individual attention.
That is exactly the gap RFID closes. Combining RFID with GPS automates the date and time stamping of every vehicle carrying men and material as it arrives at and departs from a transit point, giving central command reliable visibility without adding workload at the check post.
Where RFID fits in defence logistics
- Convoy and transit-point logging — UHF tags on vehicles are read automatically at check posts, time-stamping arrivals and departures and feeding movement data to central command over combined RFID and GPS links.
- Weapon and armoury management — uniquely identifiable RFID tags attached to weapons ensure they are issued only to authenticated personnel, with every issue and return on record.
- Ammunition and stores accounting — guns and ammunition held as stock keeping units are tracked as they transfer between units and destinations, so records stay current and accurate for strategic reasons.
- Vehicle and fuel management — tagging vehicles lets fuel limits be enforced with proper authorisation, and the same identity supports unit-specific POH and ROH maintenance schedules.
- Asset visibility across deployments — the wide variety of assets distributed across units, from vehicles to specialist equipment, can be audited in minutes instead of days.
Specialised field equipment
Beyond logistics, we provide intelligence and information-gathering kits in miniature form factors for covert operations. These kits use state-of-the-art technologies to log authentic information from sources, aided by the latest communication links. We also supply night vision devices for combat operations — ask our team for technical guidance on the various generations of these devices.
Recommended Identium hardware
- CX1500N handheld RFID reader — Android-based stocktakes of armouries, stores and vehicle parks in the field.
- HLR200 UHF gate reader — hands-free reading of tagged vehicles and material at check posts and depot gates.
- CR400 ceramic on-metal tag — a compact, rugged identity for weapons and metal equipment in harsh conditions.
- IHZ4 4-port fixed reader — covers armoury racks and issue counters with up to four antennas.
- UHF windshield tags — tamper-evident vehicle identification for automated gate movement.
Related solutions
- RFID weapon tracking management
- Weapon management
- RFID asset tracking
- Active RFID reader tracking for real-time location of high-value assets and personnel across large establishments.
Defence programmes demand discretion, documentation and hardware that survives the field — all three are Identium strengths. For a detailed discussion of total solutions for your formation or depot, talk to our team.