To speed up advancements, concentrate on the trinity of individuals, regulations, and technology viewed from the perspective of AI, self-governance, and automation.
In a significant stride towards modernization, BAE Systems, a leading defence, aerospace, and security company, is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and automation to drive innovation across federal agencies. According to Peder Jungck, the chief innovation and strategy officer for BAE Systems' intelligence and security sector, this is an opportune time to discuss how emerging technologies can accelerate organizational missions [1].
BAE Systems' innovative approach is evident in various advanced initiatives. In data security, the company is developing AI and machine learning technologies to analyze radio frequency (RF) signals, enhancing situational awareness, threat targeting, and securing communications for mission-critical federal information systems [2]. This work, including a $14 million contract from IARPA under the SCISRS program, builds on BAE Systems' autonomy portfolio and strengthens capabilities to automatically interpret complex RF environments to protect data against malicious attacks.
In the realm of engineering and manufacturing, BAE Systems is collaborating with Siemens to transform processes using cutting-edge digital technologies. This partnership focuses on BAE’s “Factory of the Future” initiative, using automation and digital tools to innovate product lifecycle management and manufacturing efficiency within aerospace programs [3].
BAE Systems is also pioneering DevSecOps automation for rapid, resilient capabilities. In partnership with Defense Unicorns, they have developed a scalable, cloud-agnostic platform employing AI and automation to accelerate secure software delivery for the Department of Defense. This platform supports rapid and intelligent decision-making at mission speed and is now available on the DoD’s Platform One Solutions Marketplace [4][5].
Moreover, BAE Systems is integrating machine learning across manufacturing and aftermarket service operations, enabling instant troubleshooting, corrective action retrieval, parts recommendations, and enhanced workforce and supply chain planning. These AI-driven capabilities reduce asset downtime, boost productivity, and improve safety on factory floors [6].
These initiatives demonstrate how BAE Systems is using AI, autonomy, and automation across data security, software development, manufacturing innovation, and asset sustainment to transform how federal agencies operate. By enhancing mission effectiveness and driving new, efficient business models, BAE Systems is helping government work adapt to the digital age.
The adoption of AI, autonomy, and automation is particularly crucial in battlefield and cyberthreat scenarios, where these technologies can operate at a velocity that matches or exceeds that of attackers. The challenge lies in keeping ahead of adversaries who are also deploying AI tools. The goal is to spot vulnerabilities at velocity when a new patch or a new piece of software comes online [7].
Jungck used the example of cloud technology to illustrate the difference between invention and innovation, stating that the move to cloud was primarily a business model change rather than just an improvement in technology [8]. The demand for innovation has changed, with the current administration aiming to recalibrate the risk factors of innovation to encourage it. The resistance to change is diminishing, and senior leadership is digital natives who understand the importance of digital advancements [9].
Jungck remains optimistic about the opportunities for innovation across government, as there is an openness for improving processes and a rising desire for keeping pace on innovation. The move to zero trust aligns well with the desire to innovate iteratively, and getting to a zero trust world of managed identities, tagged data, and end-to-end visibility is an ongoing journey [10].
This article is the 10th in a series about IT lifecycle management focused on technology for government. The emerging capabilities made possible by AI, autonomy, and automation offer the potential for fundamentally reinventing business models across the traditional triad of people, policy, and technology [11]. By collectively applying AI, automation, and autonomy, BAE Systems is reimagining and improving processes in multiple ways simultaneously [12].
References: 1. https://www.baesystems.com/en/news/bae-systems-innovation-day-2021 2. https://www.baesystems.com/en/news/bae-systems-to-lead-multi-year-collaboration-with-siemens-on-digital-transformation-initiative 3. https://www.baesystems.com/en/news/bae-systems-and-defense-unicorns-announce-devsecops-platform-to-accelerate-secure-software-delivery 4. https://www.baesystems.com/en/news/bae-systems-and-avathon-collaborate-on-industrial-ai-for-manufacturing-and-sustainment 5. https://www.baesystems.com/en/news/bae-systems-a3-strategy-aims-to-leverage-ai-autonomy-and-automation-to-transform-business-operations 6. https://www.baesystems.com/en/news/bae-systems-unveils-new-organizational-strategy-a3-to-leverage-ai-autonomy-and-automation 7. https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities---threats/ai-autonomy-and-automation-can-help-defend-against-cyberthreats/d/d-id/1339344 8. https://www.fedscoop.com/bae-systems-innovation-day-2021/ 9. https://www.fedscoop.com/bae-systems-innovation-day-2021/ 10. https://www.fedscoop.com/bae-systems-innovation-day-2021/ 11. https://www.fedscoop.com/bae-systems-innovation-day-2021/ 12. https://www.fedscoop.com/bae-systems-innovation-day-2021/
- BAE Systems' advanced initiatives in data security involve the development of AI and machine learning technologies to secure communications for federally critical information systems, demonstrating their commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen business in the realm of defense and security.
- In the engineering and manufacturing sector, BAE Systems is collaborating with Siemens to apply automation and digital tools to product lifecycle management and manufacturing efficiency within aerospace programs, showcasing their use of technology to drive innovation in the business of engineering and manufacturing.
