The UK defence sector’s ongoing modernisation of military communications systems, driven by the critical role these technologies play in modern warfare, presents both opportunities and significant challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The market for military communications is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.25% over the next eight years, underscoring its strategic importance. Recent global events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, have highlighted the necessity for robust communication systems that enable dispersed military operations and rapid targeting cycles, often involving the integration of radar and unmanned aerial vehicle reconnaissance.
In response to these demands, the British Army is undertaking substantial upgrades to its communication infrastructure. Key programmes include the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LETacCIS), the Digital Targeting Web (Project ASGARD), and the SKYNET 6A satellite communications initiative. These large-scale projects are central to enhancing the military’s ability to manoeuvre information effectively, ensuring seamless data transfer from sensor to decision-maker to effector.
However, the increasing sophistication of these systems, particularly their shift towards wireless and networked operations, introduces complexities in safeguarding electromagnetic transmissions. Light Fidelity (LiFi), a wireless technology that uses light spectrums for data transmission, is emerging as a potential solution. Its inherent characteristic of not penetrating walls makes it beneficial for environments susceptible to electromagnetic interference or interception, such as the modern battlefield. Military headquarters are identified as potential early adopters due to LiFi’s ability to minimise detectable electromagnetic emissions. While LiFi technology has been commercially available for over a decade, its development has been slower than anticipated, though projected operational costs are significantly lower than conventional Wi-Fi once commercialised, suggesting potential for future growth.
Despite the potential for dual-use technologies, where civilian advancements are adopted for military applications, SMEs face considerable barriers to entry, particularly in areas like satellite communications. According to Will Ashford-Brown, Director of Strategic Insights at Heligan Group, the Ministry of Defence’s current approach to modernisation predominantly involves contracting defence primes. This strategy aims to mitigate risks on multi-million-pound, long-term projects by leveraging the primes’ technological expertise and delivery track records. Consequently, SMEs often find limited direct opportunities within these flagship programmes.
Ashford-Brown suggests that SMEs can strategically position themselves by forging partnerships with defence primes. By integrating innovative SME products into larger defence contracts, companies can address capability gaps and potentially facilitate the acquisition of SME intellectual property by prime contractors. This approach, coupled with the sector’s increasing adoption of dual-use technologies and emerging solutions like LiFi, could enable smaller firms to play a crucial role in advancing military communications innovation and navigating the challenges of high entry barriers to shape the future of battlefield information manoeuvre.
