# Blockchain Applications in the Military Domain:
## 5 Discussion
### Limitations of Blockchain Technology in Defense Applications  
Blockchain technology--while dramatically increasing the security, transparency, and efficiency of defense-- has limitations that affect feasibility and effectiveness within the military context. These limitations result from the inherent technological constraints, integration challenges, and operational considerations peculiar to defense environments. Among all the major limitations of blockchain in defense, scalability is nearest to the top. Military operations create large volumes of data and require real-time processing, which current blockchain systems cannot handle in most cases. Traditional blockchain consensus mechanisms, like proof of work, are slow and resource intensive and thus do not fit well with applications requiring real-time responses, including battlefield communications or dynamic supply chain management. High transaction storage costs, communication latency, and bandwidth demands further degrade the scalability concerns, particularly in resource-constrained environments, such as remote deployments or conflict zones [63]. Energy consumption is another major limitation, more so for blockchain networks based on PoW. The operations are often carried out in environments with a dearth of, or required to be preserved for core functions, energy resources. High energy requirements, therefore,  
Figure 6: Comparative chart of blockchain benefits in military domains. render traditional blockchain implementations impractical for certain defense applications, like drone swarms or edge devices, on the Internet of Things (IoT) networks [92]. Integration challenges also impede the adoption of blockchain in defense. The military systems are mostly based on old infrastructure incompatible with modern blockchain solutions. Integrating blockchain with the existing systems faces challenges in terms of extensive technical efforts, resource investment, and planning to ensure seamless operations. The lack of standardization of blockchain protocols further deteriorates interoperability challenges, especially in multinational defense operations or coalition environments where diverse technologies must work cohesively [91]. Integration points bring other risks to security. Whereas the blockchain is highly secured, the vulnerabilities of blockchain appear at the integration points where blockchain will interact with other technologies, such as IoT sensors, AI systems, communication networks, etc. Blockchain systems, in general, might be put at risk when cyberattacks target these integration points [65]. Finally, the latency in blockchain transactions may also create issues within the time-sensitive defense operation. Since blockchain is based on a validation process that is decentralized, transaction confirmation is relatively slow and might not be attuned to the decision-making needs within military contexts, such as real-time threat response or tactical adjustments during combat operations [63]. Another concern is the potential for adversarial exploitation of blockchain technology. In fact, despite being secure, blockchain could still stand the test of time against sophisticated adversaries seeking to discover new methods for breaching or exploiting blockchain networks; for example, quantum computing represents a potential threat to the cryptographic foundations of current blockchain systems. Advances in quantum computing technology could eventually make it possible to break encryption algorithms, which would leave blockchain networks vulnerable if countermeasures, such as quantum-resistant cryptography, are not developed and implemented [72]. Further barriers to blockchain adoption in defense include operational secrecy and data sensitivity. Whereas blockchain's transparency and immutability are great advantages regarding accountability, they may become liabilities where the military operation needs to curtail information visibility.