Title: Supplier selection in the defence industry with sustainable criteria using Pythagorean fuzzy MCDM methods

Authors: Merve Asilogullari Ayan; Beste Desticioglu Tasdemir

Addresses: Alparslan Defence Sciences and National Security Institute, National Defence University, Turkey ' Alparslan Defence Sciences and National Security Institute, National Defence University, Turkey

Abstract: Supplier selection in the defence industry is vital due to the importance the sector attaches to sensitive technologies' security, reliability, and protection. Selecting the right suppliers can ensure that defence industry supply chains are resilient to disruptions that can seriously impact military readiness, such as geopolitical tensions. Sustainability is essential in supplier selection in the defence industry as it ensures long-term operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and social impact. Therefore, in this study, the researchers examined the problem of sustainable supplier selection in the defence industry in Turkey. Besides, they compare suppliers using the integrated PFAHP-PFTOPSIS method. As far as is known, this study is the first to use the PFAHP-PFTOPSIS method in supplier selection in the defence industry. The study determined the weights of 13 criteria to be used in comparison with the PFAHP method. The researchers compared seven defence industry companies operating in Turkey with the PFTOPSIS method. In the last part of the study, the researchers also developed a method to compare with other methods and performed sensitivity analysis.

Keywords: defence industry; sustainability; sustainable supplier selection; PFAHP; PFTOPSIS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJADS.2026.156114

International Journal of Applied Decision Sciences, 2026 Vol.19 No.5, pp.463 - 484

Received: 18 Sep 2024
Accepted: 06 Feb 2025
Published online: 04 Sep 2026 *

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