Aerospace, Defence and Security

Digital Catapult has a long and successful history of working with the UK aerospace, defence and security (ADS) sector, including the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Front Line Commands and primary suppliers such as BAE Systems, Thales, Boeing Defence UK, Safran and Babcock. 

We help companies to understand and create value from the effective adoption of innovative deep tech solutions that utilise artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), 5G, immersive technology systems and distributed ledger technologies (DLT). 

The sector is prioritising the diversification of its supply network, marking a major shift towards the use of ‘non-traditional defence technologies’ which are predominantly digital in nature. Leaders in these technology areas are often innovative SMEs, which are agile and disruptive by nature. Digital Catapult possesses unrivalled access to the SME innovation ecosystem in the UK and has the expertise to mobilise and engage this immense resource for the benefit of the defence sector. 

The future strategy of the ADS sector recognises the need for data to be exploited at both scale and speed. As with the wider UK industry, data needs to be accessed and deployed as a ‘strategic asset’ in conjunction with the technology game-changers, adopted at pace. Digital Catapult will be a key player in driving this change and underpinning the MOD’s ambition to be a digital-first organisation along with its supply chain.

In response to the changing geopolitical situation, the UK Government has committed to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP , with key priorities including:

• The ability to provide deeper stockpiles and to replenish them quickly; this will necessitate a simplification of the defence procurement process. 
• An emphasis on innovation and technology in order to adapt faster. As such, R&D will be increased to a minimum of 5% of the defence budget. To be successful, innovation must happen at pace and at scale.

These renewed priorities will have a major impact on the UK defence industry and highlight the need for the consistent adoption of advanced digital technologies to provide availability, agility and efficiency.

Our highly experienced team provides expertise and technical advisory services to address specific challenges within the aerospace and defence sectors. Through the adoption of advanced digital technologies, we can help enable:

• More resilient and efficient supply chains – increasing the speed and effectiveness of the flow of equipment and assets to and from industry primes. 
• Increased interoperability of systems – greater transparency and accuracy of data to inform better decision-making processes. 
• Optimised supply and inventory management – asset tracking and sensor technologies to ensure equipment is in peak condition and available at the right time. 
• Digital engineering – supporting the introduction of a digital-first approach in design, engineering and manufacturing. 
• Greater levels of sustainability – decarbonising production processes of future assets and assessing the environmental impact through carbon tracking of equipment, sites and companies along the supply chain. 

Digital Catapult supports the development of solutions to address market needs through services, including:

• Consultancy services – strategic advice and guidance on the adoption of advanced digital technologies. 
• Innovation services – acceleration programmes and fostering connections with pioneering tech solution suppliers. 
• Digital architecture and data discovery – gap analysis of existing infrastructure to inform digital transformation strategies. 
• Proof of concept (PoC) and prototype development leading to future exploitation – demonstrating the technical feasibility, functionality and business value of digital solutions
• Testbed facilities – physical and digital facilities for experimentation and exploration with advanced digital technologies

Fill the form now to discuss how we can work together to solve the biggest challenges Aerospace, Defence and Security is currently facing