Resilient Logistics: Strategic Planning for UAV Deliveries with Interdependent Networks

The utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a rapidly growing trend in developed countries due to their efficiency. However, compared to the ground vehicles, UAVs are more vulnerable to disruptions such as cyberattacks since they rely on communication networks to move from one point to another. On the other hand, logistics distribution uses UAVs to transport goods from distribution centers of multiple warehouse facilities to demand points. Hence, the delivery strategy relies on the state of the distribution system, which connects these three elements (i.e., warehouse facility, distribution centers, and demand points) through interdependent road infrastructure and UAV communication networks. This study aims to provide the optimal delivery strategy when the communication network controlling the UAVs malfunctions. Due to its interdependent nature, the strategy for selecting warehouse facilities, distribution centers, and distribution paths to locations of demand points could be different before and after the malfunction. We develop a mathematical model to obtain the optimal logistics strategy and solve it with an illustrative instance. The results indicate that the solution obtained for goods allocation and distribution planning can effectively mitigate the impacts of communication failures.