# Blockchain Applications in the Military Domain:
## 2 Military Applications of Blockchain Technology
### Research Questions  
In exploring blockchain technology's role in military applications, this study aims to address several key questions that arise from the existing literature. These questions focus on the intersection of blockchain's potential with military operations, addressing opportunities and challenges. The research questions for this review are as follows:  
**[RQ1].**_How can blockchain technology enhance data security and privacy in military communication systems?_  
This question explores blockchain's ability to facilitate secure communication within military networks by preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity. Current research indicates that blockchain can provide robust solutions for privacy preservation, especially in sensitive communications where data breaches pose significant risks.  
**[RQ2].**_What are the primary challenges and opportunities for deploying blockchain in military supply chain management?_  
Blockchain's distributed ledger can transform military logistics and supply chains by enhancing transparency, reducing fraud, and improving traceability. This question investigates the key benefits and implementation challenges when introducing blockchain technology into complex, multi-layered military supply chains.  
**[RQ3].**_What role can smart contracts play in improving maintenance management frameworks within military operations?_With the increasing complexity of military equipment maintenance, blockchain-enabled smart contracts offer a potential solution to automate and streamline maintenance tasks. This research question addresses how smart contracts can improve operational efficiency, reduce human error, and ensure timely updates in military asset management.  
**[RQ4].**_How effective are current blockchain frameworks in mitigating cyber threats within military networks and systems?_  
The military's reliance on interconnected digital systems makes it vulnerable to cyberattacks. This question explores how blockchain can be integrated into cybersecurity frameworks to protect against external threats, unauthorized access, and data manipulation within military infrastructures.  
**[RQ5].**_What are the potential use cases of blockchain in enhancing military operational transparency and accountability?_  
Blockchain's immutability and transparency could enhance the military's accountability in both operational and administrative functions. This research question investigates how blockchain can track operations, manage resource allocation, and ensure audit trails, fostering a culture of transparency within military organizations.  
**[RQ6].**_How can blockchain-enabled frameworks be integrated with other emerging technologies (e.g., AI, IoT) in military contexts to enhance decision-making processes?_  
As military operations increasingly rely on advanced technologies, this question examines the integration of blockchain with other cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The goal is to understand how these technologies can work in tandem to enhance decision making and operational efficiency in the military domain.  
To answer the research questions in a structured manner, the design research methodology is followed as depicted in the flowchart of the method (Figure 1). This systematic approach ensures a structured exploration of blockchain's transformative potential in military operations while addressing the specific challenges put forth by the research questions.  
Figure 1: Review methodology.