# Blockchain Applications in the Military Domain:
## 1 Introduction  
In today's digital platforms, technology has become increasingly significant in the changing terrain of military operations [1]. The algorithms and digital platforms that facilitate intricate decision-making processes are crucial for the military's decision-making process [2]. Over the past few decades, communication and information technology have advanced quickly in the financial, administrative, and economic sectors [3]. The same revolution has largely bypassed the military domain, even though it has been a crucial facilitator in peacekeeping operations [4]. The growing dependency of commanders on technology and electronic information systems for accurate, time-critical operational decisions has been identified in recent years as a call for secure electronic operations in the information age.  
In the military domain, time is often the most valuable resource [5]. Therefore, efficiency, security, and confidentiality are essential [6]. Upgrading computer networking systems and software provides new opportunities for the military domain [7; 8; 9]. Blockchain's advantages could be seamlessly integrated to help solve many modern military problems and digitize systems historically operated in non-interoperable and isolated technological environments [10; 11]. It focuses on applications of blockchain technology in military operations, log management, health records, supply, logistics, equipment, training and exercises, defense production, and acquisition and procurement [12; 13; 14].  
While initially created as a basis for cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, blockchain technology has gradually transformed into a general-purpose distributed computational structure with many applications beyond cryptocurrencies [13; 14; 15]. Today's military environment is shaped by continual technological growth, complicated operational environments, and an increasing reliance on evidence and data to inform decisions across the military. Established systems of record maintenance, accountability, communication, and logistics generally face security, efficiency, and precision challenges. Thus, military establishments worldwide are testing new data technologies that meet these challenges head-on [16; 17; 18]. One candidate, blockchain technology, has continued to emerge with its distributed, secure, and transparent functionality, which may improve multiple aspects of military operations [19; 20; 21]. In general, the blockchain is a decentralized ledger structure that supports the secure, transparent, and tamper-free archiving of information and data among a set of nodes (e.g., individuals or agencies) in a communications network [22]. In the military, trust, information and data security, data integrity, and transaction transparency are priority issues [23; 24]. Blockchain's tamper-free properties can significantly enhance the security and safety of military actions, promoting operations efficiency and ensuring fast access to reliable information [25; 26]. The primary objective of this paper is to conceptually explore potential applications of blockchain technology in the military domain, including the identification of essential application areas within the military domain where blockchain could be helpful to enhance and secure key operations; the consideration of the key benefits and challenges in the implementation of blockchain in those areas; and recommendations for future research and development goals that can overcome the obstacles impeding a wider adoption of blockchain in the military domain.