From Mine to Mission: The RedGuard–U.S. Steel–AKUA Partnership Driving the Next Generation of Smart Containers

Introduction: A new chapter in American Logistics

In an era where global competition for logistics dominance is intensifying, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and its industry partners are turning to innovation to secure both operational agility and supply chain sovereignty. In support of this effort, RedGuard, U.S. Steel, and AKUA have entered into a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at producing the first fully U.S.-manufactured, secure smart shipping containers built from American steel, equipped with advanced in-transit visibility (ITV) technology, and tested in real-world defense logistics operations.

This initiative is more than a technology pilot. It’s a blueprint for how the United States can close critical capability gaps, reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, and integrate commercial and defense logistics into a unified, resilient architecture.

The Challenge: Closing Gaps in Defense Logistics

For decades, the U.S. has relied on a combination of Military Sealift Command vessels, Maritime Security Program (MSP) carriers, and commercial freight operators to move military equipment and sustainment cargo worldwide. While effective, this system faces significant vulnerabilities. Foremost are foreign-made tracking devices integrated into MSP carriers, introducing cybersecurity and supply chain risks. Additionally, container fleets are aging, and new builds will be primarily sourced from overseas manufacturers. Disjointed data systems between DoD, commercial carriers, and allied logistics partners represent a critical weakness. The result is a logistics enterprise that is agile in certain operations but still lacks end-to-end, real-time visibility for critical shipments — especially in contested or degraded environments.

The Opportunity: Smart Containers As Infrastructure

Smart containers are infrastructure and function as essential assets within the logistic eco-system, combining physical hardware with digital connectivity to enhance security, efficiency, and reliability across national and global supply chains.

In 2023, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) partnered with RedGuard and AKUA under a no-cost Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to test whether commercially available smart container technology could deliver secure ITV for government shipments on MSP carrier services. The results were promising. In real-world operating conditions, the system provided accurate, real-time location and security status for DoD cargo from origin to destination.

Encouraged by these results, RedGuard and U.S. Steel set out to build two prototype smart containers entirely within the U.S. industrial base. These containers would be fabricated from U.S.-mined and milled steel supplied by U.S. Steel, manufactured at RedGuard’s Wichita, Kansas facility, known for precision engineering of blast-resistant structures, equipped with AKUA’s secure IoT tracking devices and data platform, delivering encrypted, continuous ITV.

This mine-to-manufacture approach is unprecedented in recent U.S. container production and it offers a scalable model for rebuilding the nation’s container manufacturing capacity.

RedGuard: Engineering for Resilience

RedGuard is best known for designing and manufacturing blast-resistant buildings for the energy and defense sectors. Their expertise in ruggedized, mission-critical structures translates naturally to the demands of secure container design that have structural integrity to withstand heavy use in austere environments, modular engineering for rapid production scaling as well as integration-ready designs for future applications, from sensors to climate control.

By applying its proven manufacturing discipline to container production, RedGuard is demonstrating how industrial agility can be leveraged for national defense.

U.S. Steel: Securing the supply chain from the ground up

By sourcing steel from U.S. mines and processing it in domestic mills, the project eliminates a critical dependency on foreign raw materials and manufacturing. This ensures traceable, secure materials in every unit. Moreover, it keeps value-added manufacturing within the U.S. economy and reinforces the industrial base needed for other strategic infrastructure.

This closed-loop supply chain not only strengthens national security, — it also supports American jobs and preserves industrial skills that could be vital in a crisis.

AKUA: Data as a force multiplier

At the heart of the smart container concept is data — specifically, secure, actionable data that allows commanders and logisticians to make informed decisions in real time. AKUA’s platform delivers end-to-end encrypted communications between the container and operations center. By integrating with DoD and commercial logistics systems for a common operational picture it supports predictive analytics to anticipate disruptions and optimize routing. In contested logistics environments, this capability could mean the difference between mission success and failure.

Strategic Alignment: From NDTA priorities to national policy

The NDTA has long championed stronger integration between the defense transportation enterprise and private-sector innovation, and this project brings that vision to life. It bolsters the U.S. maritime industrial base, drives modernization of defense logistics with cutting-edge dual-use technologies, and strengthens allied interoperability through shared data standards—delivering real momentum toward a more resilient and future-ready logistics network.

It also aligns with emerging U.S. maritime policy initiatives including calls for a National Maritime Strategy and legislation such as the SHIPS for America Act, which emphasize rebuilding U.S. shipbuilding and container manufacturing capacity.

From Prototype to Production: Scaling the vision

The current phase of the project focuses on testing the two prototype containers in real-world operational scenarios—both within the continental United States and overseas—by moving DoD cargo on MSP carriers. The evaluation emphasizes key performance metrics, including tracking accuracy and continuity, system resilience in degraded communications environments, and the physical durability and security of the containers. If these prototypes meet performance targets, the model could scale hundreds or even thousands of units.

The potential applications of this technology extend well beyond the Department of Defense. It can support humanitarian relief operations where secure in-transit visibility is essential for safeguarding sensitive supplies, enhance commercial shipping by providing tamper detection and security monitoring for high-value cargo, and strengthen allied defense logistics by ensuring interoperability with U.S. ITV systems—ultimately improving coalition readiness.

Driving jobs, innovation, and industrial strength

Beyond its defense applications, the RedGuard–U.S. Steel–AKUA initiative is also a powerful economic and industrial base story. Manufacturing capacity in Kansas sustains skilled jobs in engineering, welding, fabrication, and assembly, while U.S. steel production supports mining, mill operations, and critical supply chains. At the same time, AKUA’s platform fuels growth in the domestic tech ecosystem with innovations in IoT, cybersecurity, and logistics. Together, this blend of physical manufacturing strength and digital integration delivers a holistic approach to logistics innovation—one that creates high-quality jobs, strengthens supply chains, and generates lasting value across the broader economy.

Challenges ahead

As with any pioneering effort, several challenges remain. Long-term success will depend on policy alignment, with sustained support from DoD, MARAD, and Congress to secure funding and drive adoption. Market adoption is another hurdle, as commercial carriers must recognize a clear value proposition before integrating such containers into their fleets. At the same time, technology itself must evolve, keeping pace with rapidly changing IoT and security standards to stay ahead of emerging threats. These challenges are real but surmountable—especially with continued collaboration among government, industry, and organizations like NDTA.

Why this matters for NDTA members

For NDTA members, this initiative is more than just a technology pilot—it’s a real-world case study in how defense and industry can collaborate to solve complex logistics challenges. It provides a working model for integrating dual-use technology into existing systems, while also offering early insight into emerging capabilities that could reshape the way both military and commercial logistics operate over the next decade. Just as importantly, it highlights NDTA’s unique role as a convener—bringing together stakeholders who can align operational needs, industrial capacity, and policy frameworks to drive meaningful progress.

Upcoming Rollout: NDTA Annual Conference in St. Louis

The first U.S.-manufactured smart container will be officially rolled out at the National Defense Transportation Association’s Annual Conference in St. Louis this September. The container will be on display, showcasing both its physical design and the integrated digital capabilities that have been tested in partnership with USTRANSCOM and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Conference attendees will have the opportunity to see the container firsthand, explore its advanced in-transit visibility features, and engage with the team behind this innovative initiative.

Conclusion: securing the future of American logistics

The RedGuard–U.S. Steel–AKUA smart container project isa tangible demonstration of how American industry can innovate to meet national security needs. By building a container from the mine to the manufacturing floor entirely within U.S. borders, equipping it with advanced ITV technology, and proving its value in operational scenarios, the partners are setting a new standard for secure, resilient logistics.

In a world where supply chain integrity is as critical as firepower, this kind of innovation is not just welcome — it’s essential.