U.S. Department of Defense to Explore Blockchain Tech for Supply Chain Security
On July 9, the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services released a report for the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes assessment of blockchain tech for supply chain security and other national security uses.
According to the report, the committee acknowledges the potential use of blockchain tech for broader national security purposes within the defense landscape, with other countries investing in blockchain research and efforts for further developments.
The committee expressed the need for the United States to retain global leadership in this crucial technology, even as the nation’s national defense and economic competitiveness is dependent on the supply chain’s data-driven security, transparency, accountability, and auditability.
Realizing the potential of blockchain tech to enhance the defense supply chain’s cryptographic integrity, enhance data integrity, and limit the risk of the manipulation or corruption of data, the committee expressed the need for the Department of Defense (DOD) to explore the use of blockchain tech to achieve national security goals.
“Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing to the Senate Armed Services Committee, not later than April 1, 2025, on the potential applications of blockchain technology for supply chain management and other national security applications within DOD,” reads the report.
The briefing will focus on assessing the potential benefits and risks related to the implementation of blockchain tech in supply chain tracking and management, analyzing the current state of blockchain adoption in supply chain tracking and other national security applications within DOD, and a plan for pilot programs or research and development efforts to explore the use of blockchain technology in national security applications.
Furthermore, they will also consider the activities that China and Russia are carrying out, and are planning to carry out, in terms of research and development of blockchain tech, and more.