When disposing of defence equipment, proper packaging is crucial to preserve value and prevent damage. Consider storage, transport and compliance with military standards so that parts reach their destination safely and responsibly.
Summary of this article
It can be stored, sold, returned to the manufacturer or destroyed. In many cases, this choice is established in the Defense Disposal Plan (DAP) at the time the new equipment and essential items are purchased. However, the role of packaging in the disposal process often remains underexposed. In this article, we outline why that is a missed opportunity.
When acquiring new equipment, the Ministry of Defence considers its entire life cycle to ensure maximum operational availability and accurately calculate the total cost over its service life. This includes planning for spare parts, training, maintenance and the eventual disposal of the equipment.
When defence equipment is decommissioned, the best destination is determined for each individual component. A component may be stored as a spare, refurbished and sold, returned to the OEM or, when reuse is no longer safe or economically viable, destroyed.
This decision is not always final. It is based on the technical condition of the component, current demand and the information available at that time. Changes in the market, international cooperation or the future availability of spare parts may result in equipment being assigned a different destination later on.
This can be seen in the phase-out of the F-16. Not every component follows the same route. Some parts remain available for internal use, while others are refurbished, transferred to another user or returned to the OEM. Only equipment that is no longer safe, usable or economically viable is destroyed.
The residual value of a component is not determined only when its destination is chosen. That value must also be preserved during storage, handling and transport.
A saleable or serviceable component loses its value if it corrodes during long-term storage, is damaged during internal transport or fails to arrive safely at the new user. Packaging is therefore not the final step in the decommissioning process, but a prerequisite for preserving value.
The right packaging solution depends on factors such as the vulnerability of the component, the expected storage period, the method of transport and the conditions to which the equipment will be exposed. A suitable solution protects not only against shocks and vibrations, but also against moisture, contamination, corrosion and improper handling.
We therefore look beyond the component itself and consider the entire journey the equipment still needs to make. Where will it be stored? How will it be lifted and moved? Which means of transport will be used? And in what condition must it arrive at the next user?
Based on this information, our engineers measure the equipment and develop packaging that matches the technical, logistical and operational conditions. We can take care of the engineering, production and assembly, including on-site work when the component cannot easily be moved.
This approach came together during the transfer of an F-16 vertical tail at Volkel Air Base. The large and vulnerable component was measured on site, after which we developed a custom packaging solution and assembled it around the component. This ensured that the vertical tail was properly protected and prepared for further transport. The case shows that packaging does more than prevent damage. It also helps ensure that equipment remains transferable and operational.
See here how Faes packaged an F-16 vertical tail on site.
When storing equipment or components, you want them to remain available for future use. This requires packaging that provides effective protection during both storage and transport. When selecting the right packaging solution, consider the following factors:
Non-strategic goods and goods with a certain scatter value are sold by the Domains. The sale of strategic movable goods, which are specifically developed for military purposes, is handled almost entirely by the Department of Defense itself. In the negotiation, of course, packaging must also be discussed. What does the buyer expect in this? It is tempting to negotiate on price alone. But even more important, of course, is the functionality of the packaging. And perhaps the buyer is willing to pay a bit more for a durable and presentable packaging, so be sure to include these aspects in the negotiation.
To determine which packaging offers the right functionality and protection, consider the following:
Carefully map out the route the product will take and the risks involved. What impact resistance does the packaging need to protect the product, what closures should the packaging have? Whether you are transporting Leopards or radar systems by ship to Finland is quite a difference. A Leopard is so robust that it needs little protection, a radar system is hypersensitive to vibrations and must be optimally protected from them during transport.
If you send parts back to the manufacturer, the key question is in what condition the manufacturer wants to receive them. Will the manufacturer remelt the products before reusing the residual material? Then protection during transport is less important. Still, even then you should think carefully about the packaging, among other things to protect the environment.
Is the value of parts zero and will they be destroyed? Even then it is important not to lose sight of the environmental aspects when choosing packaging. So even when returning or destroying residual material, take the time to find the right packaging.
Choosing the right packaging for defense equipment to be divested is no easy task. So ask packaging specialists for advice, they can work with you to determine for each item the packaging that will provide the best protection after disposal. With the right packaging, the equipment will last longer after disposal, thus guaranteeing optimal service life.
Let us know what we can help you with regarding defense equipment disposal. Fill out the form below or contact us directly. One of our packaging experts will be happy to assist you.
Michel Prins is Account Manager at Faes and a specialist in Safety & Security. Thanks to his background at the Ministry of Defense and years of experience in the sector, he advises organizations on reliable packaging solutions for critical applications. He combines practical knowledge with technical expertise to package sensitive equipment safely and efficiently.
More articles by Michel PrinsGood packaging doesn’t just happen by chance. Using a tried-and-tested approach, our specialists guide you step by step from the initial idea to the finished product.
