# Blockchain Applications in the Military Domain:
## 5 Discussion
### Scalability Solutions for Blockchain Deployment in Military Supply Chains  
Scalability is one of the most critical challenges in deploying blockchain into military supply chains since it entails a large volume of data and transactions. Resolving such issues demands innovative approaches to ensure the blockchain systems can successfully handle increasing demands without trading off performance or security. One promising solution is sharding, which divides the blockchain network into smaller, manageable partitions called shards. This way, each share will process a subset of the transactions independently, which increases the throughput and scalability tremendously. Especially, in military contexts, where operations span more than one region, the system will keep working, even if some shards are compromised or destroyed, as proved by the study [61]. Built on top of a main blockchain, Layer 2 solutions offload transaction processing to reduce congestion and increase speed. With the help of mechanisms, like state channels or sidechains, Layer 2 implementations efficiently realize fast and high-frequency transactions. They are significant for the values in military inventory management applications, where updating is often needed.  
Furthermore, another study [91] has shown that delegated proof of stake increases scalability and decreases latency in IoT networks of military applications. Interoperability solutions provide various blockchain systems with the ability to interact, share data, and distribute workloads over networks. This is essential in coordinating different military branches and allied forces, which may be using different blockchain systems. Hybrid blockchain architectures combine public and private blockchains in a manner that strikes an optimum for sensitive and insensitive tasks. By segregating critical data into private chains and less sensitive operations into public chains, hybrid architecture reduces the load on the overall system and increases scalability. Off-chain processing eases the load on the primary blockchain in performing computations or storing data off the network. With systems like the IPPS, efficient data storage retains blockchain connectivity. Especially effective is the storage of the off-chain of detailed military maintenance records and the reflection of summaries on the blockchain.  
Tokenization simplifies supply chain operations by enabling assets to be easily represented in tokens, while smart contracts automate processes, such as inventory updates and procurement approval, increasing scalability and reducing manual intervention. BaaS platforms give an out-of-the-box, pre-configured infrastructure for the deployment of scalable blockchain systems, hence obliterating the need for custom-built solutions. They have features like auto-scaling, where the system's capacity adjusts automatically to the network demand. These are particularly useful when there is a need for fast deployment of blockchain systems in emergencies. The scalability solutions of sharding, Layer 2 networks, optimized consensus mechanisms, and hybrid architecture answer the unique demands of the military supply chains. Such innovations ensure that blockchain systems can handle large-scale operations with resource constraints and provide interoperability while meeting the security and efficiency required for critical military logistics. With continued development, blockchain will find a way to transform how militaries manage their supply chains, rendering them resilient, transparent, and effective.