The Department of War (DoW) is strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base, known as the “Arsenal of Freedom.”
BAE Systems is aligning itself as a key partner in this effort by delivering disruptive technologies faster – reinforcing our mission of “We Protect Those Who Protect Us®.”
The core of the commercial approach lies in speed. Where defense acquisitions once took years, the demand is now for solutions to be delivered quickly, according to Chris Rappa, vice president of Strategy and Planning for BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems (ES) sector. “We are focused on anticipating customer needs and utilizing advanced tools, such as operational and mission modeling, to develop solutions before they’re requested,” said Rappa.
The DoW strategy encourages leveraging existing commercial technologies, adapting them for military use and efficiently scaling production. This approach offers several advantages, including reduced development timelines, lower costs, and access to a broader supplier base, including non-traditional vendors and startups. It also fosters private-sector investment in defense-relevant capabilities.
Actively embracing this shift, BAE Systems is integrating commercial best practices and strategic acquisitions to enhance its defense solutions.
“This is about unlocking agility and accelerating the delivery of critical capabilities to our customers,” said Rappa.
The role of established contractors
Despite the focus on commercial solutions, established technology companies that develop exquisite applications for the defense industry remain critical. They bring unique capabilities, including systems integration, deep domain expertise, global supply chain management, and the ability to deliver complex, mission-critical platforms that are difficult to replicate. Additionally, these companies play a vital role in sustaining legacy systems and ensuring interoperability.
“The DoW strategy explicitly depends on expanding the defense industrial base,” said Jennifer Jones, director of Strategy and Planning at BAE Systems. “We are dedicated to delivering solutions to meet the evolving needs of our warfighters.”
Proactive adaptation
BAE Systems has launched an initiative to identify existing commercial products within its portfolio. This involves thoroughly reviewing existing offerings to determine if they meet the definition of a commercial product(s) under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The goal is to unlock faster procurement pathways, reduce regulatory burdens, and increase competitiveness.
The transition involves more than just regulatory alignment. BAE Systems is exploring new pricing strategies, investing in products that can be rapidly scaled, and adopting practices like iterative design and a more flexible approach to development. This includes a shift from a program-centric to a product-centric approach. “We’re taking a comprehensive look at our offerings to determine how we can best leverage commercial determinations,” Jones said. To support this shift, the company is investing in a multi-disciplinary training program designed to foster a new mindset focused on identifying and capitalizing on commercial opportunities. Spanning Business Development, Contracts, Legal, and other key functions, the program equips employees with practical skills in areas like modern development practices, commerciality assessments, intellectual property, and data rights. Team members are empowered to challenge traditional processes and propose innovative solutions.
“The goal is to empower the workforce to embrace change and drive innovation to become proactive problem solvers,” said Jones. “This commitment to continuous learning ensures BAE Systems remains at the forefront of innovation in the defense industry.”
Delivering optimized solutions
BAE Systems focuses on delivering solutions that provide an optimal balance of cost, performance, and speed. This folds into its approach to requirements, prioritizing essential capabilities to accelerate delivery. The result directly translates to improved safety and effectiveness for warfighters.
“We are focusing on delivering solutions that meet the critical needs of our customers, recognizing that speed and adaptability are often as important as achieving every possible feature,” stated Rappa.
Several initiatives demonstrate the company’s capabilities include:
- Advanced microelectronics: High-performance microelectronics for demanding defense applications, including radar, electronic warfare, and secure communications. These compact components enable enhanced capabilities and rapid deployment.
- Precision GPS solutions: Accurate, reliable, and adaptable GPS technology for airborne systems, munitions, and handheld devices. Enhanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing features ensure uninterrupted operation in challenging environments.
- Real-time intelligence with Eclipse RF™: Dependable solutions for signals intelligence and spectrum monitoring. These open-standards-based systems enable rapid integration and improved situational awareness.
- SigWerx™: Technology suite that includes a software factory and modular digital signal processing toolkit that accelerates research and development (R&D) and delivers mission-critical electronic warfare (EW), communications, navigation, SIGINT, and radar software applications.
Looking Ahead
The Arsenal of Freedom effort represents a significant shift in U.S. defense acquisition. BAE Systems is at the forefront of that shift and is poised to play a critical role in this transformation, backed by its expertise and commitment to deliver solutions that protect the warfighter.
By Colleen Stone, Communications