Public and private sector collaboration shaping modern defence
Image courtesy Livewire Digital
The UK’s advanced manufacturing sector plays a central role in driving technological revolution on the modern battlefield. Renowned for its precision engineering and cutting-edge technologies, the sector bridges the gap between traditional defence systems and emerging solutions. However, it is collaboration that truly amplifies the impact of these advancements.
Partnerships between government, industry and international allies are vital to addressing the complex challenges of modern defence. Government support provides the strategic direction and investment needed to develop and deploy advanced systems. Industry, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), bring agility and innovation, rapidly delivering new technologies which may have once taken years to roll out.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military operations, for example, is revolutionising decision-making processes and operational efficiency. AI accelerates data analysis, enabling rapid and informed decisions on the battlefield. Its applications extend to cybersecurity, target recognition, battlefield healthcare and combat simulation and training. The military AI market is projected to reach $19 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 15% from 2017 to 2025 (Oliver Wyman).
Take drones. According to Statista, excluding defence, its market value is forecast to reach $4.7 billion by 2028, with nearly one million drones expected to be in operation − in the UK alone − by 2030 (PwC, 2022).
At the heart of much of this technology, much of it developed by small, highly specialised SMEs, lies the requirement for secure, seamless and resilient connectivity across land, sea and air. Hybrid connectivity exemplifies the transformative potential of modern technologies in defence. By combining satellite, terrestrial and cellular networks into a unified system, 'heterogeneous’ connectivity ensures continuous communication, even in contested environments.
Once deployed commercially off the shelf as a ready-to-go solution, hybrid promises to transform military networks in battlespace in the way it is already doing in the UK emergency services, telehealth and in the civil maritime sector. Unlike traditional 'failover' systems that switch between networks, hybrid systems intelligently bond and optimise all available networks, providing a robust, always-on connection.
This capability is particularly vital for dynamic operations. UAVs operating in remote or hostile areas, for instance, can use hybrid connectivity to aggregate satellite and terrestrial networks, maintaining uninterrupted communication. This ensures real-time data transfer, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making in critical moments.
Sustainability and resilience
In addition to improving operational capabilities, innovations such as those discussed here, align with broader goals of sustainability and resilience. The UK’s advanced manufacturing processes emphasise resource efficiency, minimising waste while maximising performance. This approach is particularly significant as defence forces aim to balance environmental stewardship with mission readiness.
For example, predictive maintenance systems, which rely on hybrid connectivity, enable real-time monitoring of equipment such as helicopters, naval vessels, and combat aircraft. By identifying potential failures before they occur, these systems reduce resource consumption and extend the lifespan of critical assets.
Hybrid connectivity also supports the deployment of autonomous systems, which can perform tasks such as reconnaissance and surveillance with minimal environmental impact. These advancements demonstrate that sustainability and operational efficiency are not mutually exclusive but can complement each other.
A future-ready defence ecosystem
The future of defence is being forged at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, robust collaboration, and sustainable practices. By integrating Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technologies developed by the private sector, the UK is not only revolutionising military operations but also establishing a resilient and adaptable framework for global security.
Hybrid connectivity alongside advanced manufacturing solutions will enable faster deployment, smarter systems, and more sustainable operations, ensuring that military forces can outpace emerging threats. The UK’s tradition of innovation, supported by dynamic partnerships between SMEs, government and international allies, exemplifies a powerful model for defence transformation.
As geopolitical tensions grow more complex, the UK’s forward-thinking approach secures its position as a leader in global defence innovation, enhancing operational effectiveness, safeguarding lives and setting a course for a safer, more collaborative future.
