Digital technology is shaping the future of defence and it’s changing the way they work.
Speaking at the annual Disruptive Technology for Defence Transformation event, Babcock’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr Richard Drake said the innovative approaches they are creating now will help them better prepare for the changing battlespace.
New technology solutions
As the second largest supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence, Babcock is working with AI and autonomous systems to transform the work they are doing across core programmes such as warships or Army vehicle sustainment.
He said: “Transformation isn’t just about new platforms and technologies, it needs to include the legacy systems we manage. Not only are we integrating new technology solutions onto those assets, but we must also address the digital skills challenge as we need people that understand the expanding data world we are moving into.”
Future technology programmes
Babcock will continue to invest in areas such as AI, additive manufacturing, digital twinning
“The innovative approaches we are creating now will help us better prepare for that changing battlespace, better understand the challenges and threats we could be exposed to, so we can better protect the communities we operate in.”
Speaking alongside senior military leaders from the UK, NATO, and international defence groups as well as other leading technology innovators, Dr Drake talked of the power of working within a tight-knit ecosystem of suppliers and partners to deliver innovation in areas like AI, autonomous systems, and robotics.
“Given the scale and complexity at which we operate in – integration and collaboration with a trusted ecosystem of SMEs and academic partners with the right talent-set is critical for us to achieve that,” he added. Babcock will continue to invest in areas such as AI, additive manufacturing, digital twinning, and human-machine teaming as part of its future technology programmes.
