The shift to software-defined defence
Defence is moving to software-defined defence (SDD) and technology-integrated warfare, which is a transition from hardware-centric platforms to a Defence as a Platform (DaaP) approach. This strategy disaggregates sensors from effectors and software from hardware to create adaptive, data-centric battle networks.
Central to SDD is the decoupling of software functionality from hardware, allowing military capabilities — weapons, sensors and communication — to be upgraded, modified and integrated via software, rather than requiring physical, hardware-level changes.
In this white paper, explore the details of the key aspects of SDD:
- AI and autonomy: Improve situational awareness, pattern recognition and prioritisation
- Modularity and open architecture: Break down vendor lock-in and support multi-domain operations (MDO)
- Data centricity: Drive AI- and machine learning-enabled decision-making
- Rapid adaptability: Move from rigid, long-term acquisition cycles to iterative, continuous development
- Interoperability: Enable seamless, secure communication and data sharing among diverse, multinational assets