Software Trends Changing the Future of DOD Technology

During the past several weeks, I have been fortunate to meet with some of the military’s most innovative leaders charged with building next-generation technology for the Department of Defense (DOD). With the benefit of hearing perspectives from nearly every service, I’ve been struck by a few themes that have emerged universally. These include the need to rapidly: (1) modernize and integrate modern systems with legacy systems; (2) move technology from prototype to production in a joint environment; and (3) integrate commercial vendors and best practices.

These challenges have arisen in the past decade and are made even more apparent by today’s geopolitical landscape. The nation's near-peer competitors are making substantial investments in these challenges and are making rapid progress. 

What is the response to these challenges? Building a “software-defined” approach to defense technology. For too long, DOD has been focused on investing in exquisite, platform-based technology that is often hardware-specific and not easily transferred across platforms—or, just as importantly, across services. Today, defense leaders need to evolve their future thinking to focus on software-based firmware that can be updated instantaneously based on real-time needs and evolving threats.

In the commercial market, Tesla has introduced this model for the automobile market by creating a ubiquitous capability to update the software of their fleet “over-the-air” at any time. When a Tesla vehicle needs service, its software can communicate to the company so that technicians can troubleshoot and address accordingly. In many cases, this can be done remotely or in an owner’s garage instead of an auto shop. This has changed the game in automotive maintenance, and I can only imagine what this type of capability would do for functions like, say, predictive maintenance for military vehicles. 

We are seeing the brilliance of this live software update play out in conflict with another Elon Musk technology, SpaceX’s Starlink. After activating internet connections for those in Ukraine, the software of the satellite capability rapidly responded to enemy efforts to jam it. These types of live software updates show the power and speed of software-based technology in conflicts.

From my perspective, these commercial examples demonstrate how technology continues to be adapted to benefit defense missions. To U.S. military technology leaders, I would offer three key considerations in building future requirements. 

1. A Commitment to Increasing Modular and Open Architecture. Since the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act, DOD has had a mandate for MOSA—a modular open-system approach. Creating an acquisition environment and culture that advances these priorities will require an emphasis on software acquisition best practices; a priority to not just the letter, but the spirit of MOSA; and a commitment to holding the defense industrial base accountable for moving away from proprietary systems. My colleague Gus Taveras expounded on MOSA in a previous defense blog post.
2. A Future of Horizontal Orchestration Instead of Vertical Integration. Key to this is a cultural shift of leveraging MOSA and institutionalizing reuse. To get warfighters on the frontlines the technology they need, creating joint solutions will be critical. This will require that the services shift from vertical alignment—integrated technologies within a single platform or even service—and move toward what I would term “horizontal orchestration.” In other words, connecting data, platforms, and technologies across services, domains, and nations.
3. A Pathway to Integrating New Players in the Defense Ecosystem: As shown in the Starlink example, DOD can benefit from new commercial technologies. In doing so, it will be critical to integrate these next-generation technologies in the context of DOD mission sets to enable effective integration and connection between the broader defense ecosystem.

By implementing these three considerations for a software-defined future for defense technology, the U.S. will be in a position to maintain a competitive edge and deliver a competitive advantage in today’s digital battlespace. Look for more in the coming weeks on my perspectives regarding the culture, data, and competitive landscape we see in today’s defense environment.