According to our 2023 survey of defence and aerospace decision makers, the adoption of defence technologies that can help ensure the connectivity of more accurate, reliable, secure and seamless information across the military landscape has plenty of room for improvement.
The initial pilot phase has thankfully been navigated when it comes to critical solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, quantum computing, robotics and automation, CEMA, synthetic environments and data and intelligence analytics software. However, across each of these product categories, there is a steep nosedive between levels of partial adoption (where solutions are not yet fully integrated or utilised) and full adoption, where there is extensive implementation and full integration across all defence operations.
With AI and ML for example, 85% of global defence decision makers confirm that their nation has already adopted it for defence operations. However, only 57% can say that they have reached full adoption.
It is a similar story for robotics and autonomous systems. Here, the 73% contingent who claim to have adopted such solutions are quite evenly split between 39% (full adoption), and 34% (partial adoption). Here, one-fifth still confirmed they are not even past the pilot/testing phase.
Even when it comes to data and intelligence analytics software, where 91% claim to have adopted critical solutions to help get a better grasp of critical information, only 58% can boast full implementation and integration. One-third are still only scaling up to that level.
Ticking more than just the technology box
This is a concern when balanced against the requirements of the current and future battlespace. Defence decision makers to the tune of 96% concede that ongoing digitalisation has led to a more dynamic and complex battlespace. A battlespace based around not just information, but the accuracy, speed and seamless connectivity of that information.
Indeed, 86% agree that the future battlespace will be an information battlespace, and 94% concur that greater collaboration and information sharing is a key focus. This begs the question why there has been a struggle to achieve full deployment of solutions that will combat these challenges, or enable these capabilities.
It could be an issue of prioritisation, with many earmarking processes and people as paramount considerations, siloed away from the technology conversation.
In reality, global defence should be seeking a model that embraces all three simultaneously. To this end, Multi-Domain Integration (MDI) would be a clear push towards the formulation of digital threads – but it ticks more than just the technology box. Simultaneously, aspects of culture, people and processes can also be addressed to establish more workable regulations, to break down siloes, to encourage ongoing training and development, and to spark improved collaboration.
Rapid and extensive integration
Andy Linton, Head of Future Maritime Aviation Force at BAE Systems – Air, explains: “Multi-Domain Integration is essentially about connectivity and the ability to effectively make timely decisions in directing employment of assets from across all five domains to achieve the greatest co-ordinated net military effect, faster than the adversary – know sooner, decide quicker, act faster.”
‘Faster’ is an apt word. Linton explains that the “gradient of technology advancement is ever steepening”. There is no lack of innovation available to the defence community. The speed must now come from decision makers in ensuring a more rapid and extensive integration of those new solutions.
An MDI model can facilitate that conversion from testing, to partial adoption, to harnessing the full potential of defence technologies in the information battlespace.