As many as 91% of defence and aerospace leaders have acknowledged that Multi-Domain Integration (MDI) is essential to implement, but that this implementation requires some specific areas of focus.
This was one of the key findings in our recent research study, which questioned 400 such about Multi-Domain Integration; including around their nation’s readiness for MDI, as well as attitudes and challenges around the concept.
Reasons for MDI’s complexity span people, processes and technology, pointing to the need for greater connectivity of thought, strategy and digital solutions. Here, we explore those areas in more detail.
People
When asked about the specific people-based priorities that would determine their military or nation’s successful implementation of Multi-Domain Integration, issues of collaboration, trust and upskilling were all brought to the fore:
Respondents highlighted the following top-five factors as important for the successful implementation of Multi-Domain Integration:
- Willingness to collaborate across military departments
- Trust between office-based personnel and those on active operations
- Attracting and retaining skills relevant to the industry
- Non-conflicting priorities between military/defence departments
- Training associated with the adoption of new technology
Historically, defence organisations have been built on the notion of hierarchies. The shift from looking up, to moving across domains, requires a mindset alteration; in a move towards that ‘One Team’ mindset that Andy Start, CEO of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support team has eloquently talked about..
Processes
Our research has shown us that defence leaders agree there is a need for process changes to support the implementation of Multi-Domain Integration practices.
Indeed, the five cited priorities in this space span a requirement for:
- Regulatory standards across Multi-Domain Integration programmes
- Acquisition processes for Multi-Domain Integration technology
- Collaborative working between different entities and domains
- Collaboration between defence industry and military
- Understanding and strategy around business change
Standards and requirements around technology must promote interoperability, with regulations in place to encourage synergies across domains.
Evidence of this model in action can already be seen in Ukraine, with NATO arguing the importance of interoperability to promote improved information storage and sharing; and to provide real-time pictures among allies.
Technology
Then comes the technology itself, with the five key areas of focus, according to our research respondents, being:
- Integrated technology development
- New technology assurance (ensuring it is robust and up to the task)
- Cyber security measures around systems integration
- Compatibility and interoperability between different defence systems and platforms
- Research and development for Multi-Domain systems
The top five focus areas from a tech perspective bring together much of the people and process elements, including the impact of siloes and interoperability. In this sense, not just having the latest innovations but integrating them effectively across domains is absolutely critical to succeed in the modern battlespace.
It is why BAE Systems Digital Intelligence has promoted the concept of digital threads, to ensure teams are gaining access to accurate information in the quickest way possible. This requires seamless and – critically – secure input from all domains, enabled by regulations that promote cross-sector collaboration, and a personnel hierarchy that doesn’t just push information up to the highest rank.
Encouragingly, these areas of focus are already being addressed, but the push must be concerted and continuous. Threats aren’t going to slow down, and neither can we as an ecosystem of people, processes and technologies that must now work together.