Four ways tech change will transform defence

When atoms meet bits: Four ways tech change will transform defence

With ongoing and rising geopolitical tensions around the globe, threats to national and international security that might once have seemed distant are now playing out in real time. All this is happening in parallel with rapid advances in technology, like generative AI and quantum, which are erasing boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds and creating a connecting future – powered by accessible, shareable data.

These disruptive developments have huge implications for Governments and their Defence Forces. The priority? Understanding how to create future-ready defence capabilities that can be harnessed and fielded at speed and scale – turned into action to boost force preparedness and national security in a volatile world.

The Accenture Technology Vision 2023 examines the potential impact of four key technology trends. My colleague, Anita Puri, has already assessed what they mean for public sector organisations. More recently, I found myself in conversation with Air Marshal Sir Christopher Harper (Rtd) on the same topic and thought I’d share what we thought of the trends in a Defence-specific context.

In this blog, we’ll explore how defence organisations and governments can translate these technology trends into fielded capabilities and put them into service – whether in the hands of strategists, support and logistics or warfighters on the frontline.

Establishing identity

One of the four technology trends focuses on digital identity. As new ID solutions begin to emerge, robust digital identity verification is now well within reach. In a defence context, this promises to build and safeguard trust between allies and partners.

The success of defence security arrangements such as AUKUS and NATO hinges on having interchangeable and interoperable equipment (among many priorities). Trust is at the heart of these partnerships regardless of whether there are five, 10 or 20 countries involved. Now, breakthroughs in the digital ID space, from establishing core identities and biometrics to tokenisation, enable new levels of security that will underpin collaboration and transform defence capabilities.

Making data accessible

Another technology trend, Your data, my data, our data examines the importance of data transparency. Within clear guardrails, this depends on traceable information flows and decisions. And, of course, defence organisations need to simultaneously achieve that transparency with their allies alongside total data opacity to their adversaries.

Understandably, this has been a challenge up to now. Usually highly segregated and protected by Operational Security (OPSEC) considerations, data in defence organisations is not easily shared. Business owners (joint operational commanders, for example) absolutely understand the value of a digital core with data accessible from the enterprise to the tactical edge. But they sometimes lack the tools and capabilities to make this real. This can further undermine outcomes – successful adoption of digital twin technologies, for instance – and impede scaling and change.

By shifting perspective to view data through a more transparent E2E lens, leaders will be able to reimagine what they can achieve. It would also help them understand how to adapt legacy structures and processes to enable crucial outcomes based on seamless flows of data, when and where it’s needed – from sensor to shooter.

Defence organisations make mission-critical decisions based on the availability and quality of their data. One example? Think about an E2E logistics and resource management system where data analytics is used to optimise supply chain performance, improve maintenance, calibrate and adjust provisioning for frontline troops based on consumption patterns, and improve equipment performance.

To enable the data change needed to support scenarios like that, the transformation agenda will need to be ‘owned’ at the highest level. This is critical to resolving the friction to make changes stick in large organisations. By defining objectives and assessing existing infrastructure against them – with a focus on data volume, veracity, variety and velocity – ways forward will emerge. Some of the keys that will accelerate progress? Cloud compute and storage. Robust data governance and security. And culture change and enhanced digital literacy so organisations understand that data is at the heart of successful operations.

New human-machine interactions

Another key trend, Generalising AI, recognises how breakthroughs in foundation models and large language models (like ChatGPT) are reinventing human-machine interactions and transforming how tasks are carried out. In a defence context, it’ll be extraordinary to see how this technology is used. There’s a very broad range of opportunities – from enhancing geostrategic capabilities in areas like warfighting or logistics to significantly improving intelligence, operational planning and administrative and business processes.

To realise the massive potential of these advanced AIs, defence organisations will have to overcome some significant barriers. Lack of skills is one. Talent is the key to operational performance. To attract the best and brightest, it’ll be essential to modernise the workplace and provide the upskilling and education that people will need throughout their service careers.

Staying secure

The fourth trend, Our Forever Frontier, looks at how the feedback loop between science and technology innovation is becoming more interconnected and spinning faster all the time. Tech advances are spurring breakthroughs in science and vice versa. A great example? The big bang combination of AI and quantum.

One direct consequence for defence will have to be a radical rethink of what security means – and how to achieve it. In a world where passwords are no longer secure, and traditional security methods don’t work, defence organisations will have to move fast to stay ahead of the inevitable disruption that lies ahead.

To keep out in front, defence leaders will need to act on new levels of insight. The good news is that connected, seamless data flows will power these insights and, in doing so, support mission-critical security readiness. Provided leadership has instant access to all the data they need, from combat and materiel to infrastructure and training, they’ll be able to predict and mitigate threats before they become dangerous security issues.

Bringing tech trends to life for defence

Each of these four trends is interesting in its own right. But as everyone involved in defence knows, it’s how technology gets operationalised at speed and scale that really matters.

I’d love to hear what you think, so please get in touch.