New research: Investigating how Multi-Domain Integration is changing the battlespace

As the defence community moves towards a service oriented enterprise battlespace, at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence we are focusing on how to form digital threads across different domains – including across the broader defence ecosystem – to better connect defence platforms and disciplines, working towards the digital deterrent.

The battlespace has changed, and so must we

Investigating the topic further, our latest research delves into the challenges and experiences of defence leaders across the globe. With 95% of respondents confirming that digitalisation has led to a more dynamic and complex defence landscape, the consensus is clear: the battlespace has changed, and so must we.

MDI: a mission-critical concern

Within the report, we found that 86% of surveyed senior business and IT defence and aerospace decision makers from around the world believe the future battlespace will be an information battlespace.

Already, with cyber being added to the defence melting pot, the need for a Multi-Domain Integration concept is clear. In fact, breaking down the numbers further, more than half of respondents (55%) claimed Multi-Domain Integration is crucial for facing up to an increase in cyber warfare, an increased number of national security breaches (53%), and the latest forms of warfare (36%).

There was almost total consensus regarding its importance in shaping military options; both today (98%), and over the next decade (99%).

A focus on progress

This isn’t to say the next steps to indulge this model are easy, however. A vast majority (81%) believe that their respective nations are indeed ready to implement Multi-Domain Integration, but there are areas that we need to focus on.

46% sited the need collaborate across military departments. In addition to addressing the people side of the equation, process and technology also present important focus areas for making MDI successful. Regarding the former, many research respondents noted the benefits that regulatory standards could bring to Multi-Domain Integration programmes, while integrated technology development was cited by half of those surveyed as an area for the defence ecosystem to channel efforts.

Looking ahead to successful MDI in defence

So, what does constitute progress when it comes to successful Multi-Domain Integration in defence?
Looking forward, and according to the research, key areas of focus spanning people, processes and technology, include:

• System interoperability to strengthen integration (94%)
• More diverse defence technology ecosystems to promote resilience (92%)
• Connecting the deployed battlespace (46%)
• Improved collaboration between military branches, partners and allies (50%)
• Using data to improve operational readiness and availability (54%)
• Utilising AI and machine learning to enhance situational awareness and decision making (50%)

The potential of these step changes will be explored in more detail over the course of a series of articles derived from BAE Systems Digital Intelligence’s MDI report. Survey responses will be brought to light through the lenses of ongoing defence challenges around the world, current MDI maturity, adoption barriers, and ultimate solutions.

While opinions will always differ on the next best steps, 91% all agree that implementing Multi-Domain Integration is essential. Moreover, 93% believe integration across domains will be required for true defence in the future battlespace.

We are aware of what the future defence landscape holds – it’s now time to prepare for it.

Read the full report here, and please reach out to discover how BAE Systems Digital Intelligence can help you achieve your Multi-Domain Integration goals.