BAE Systems, the British multinational weapons, security, and aerospace company, has signed a strategic agreement with Microsoft to enhance its digital defence capabilities. The agreement aims to reduce the time it takes to develop, deploy and manage digital defence capabilities using Microsoft’s public cloud platform Azure.
The companies are already working on projects to improve the Royal Navy’s access to dynamic data sources, providing real-time tactical naval intelligence and developing secure software that can update aircraft platforms in flight. The collaboration between the two companies is already yielding tangible results for BAE Systems’ customers.
The agreement with Microsoft aims to better utilize data accumulated during military operations and develop new products for the defence sector. The work aims to enhance BAE systems’ digital engineering capabilities by using Azure for data analysis and simulation and by using data to digitally connect product design, manufacturing, and operation throughout their lives.
Julian Cracknell, BAE Systems Chief Technology and Information Officer said that the information collected by their ships or from hundreds of thousands of sources, including social media, and their innovative deal with Microsoft gives them easy access to the tools to make sense of this information. This will enable the military to stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats while maintaining the highest levels of security.
Clare Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK, explained that the collaboration between the two companies already yields tangible results for BAE Systems’ customers, promoting the stability and security of populations, nations, and multinational alliances.
The two companies are also committed to co-developing technology using open architecture tools, allowing BAE Systems’ customers to integrate the resulting products easily with other third-party technologies. BAE Systems can support collaboration with small businesses and partners without compromising security by only allowing access to specific business areas, making it easier for even the most demanding companies to meet stringent defence security standards.
The strategic alliance between Microsoft and BAE Systems will benefit the military industry greatly, giving the easy military access to tools that help them make sense of complex information and help them stay ahead of rapidly emerging threats.
