Personnel on the battlefield need to get real-time information – that’s not negotiable. Whether in the air, on land or water, or now even in space, devices and data streams must be able to provide the exchange of complex data in real time to keep combat zones constantly connected. The simple exchange of real-time data is only the beginning – the real work is what defense organizations do with this data. Turning this data into insights is critical for mission success.

There exist four operational trigger points where digital solutions can help solve defense-manufacturing issues and can extend a helping hand to production systems without increasing costs. Defense manufacturers can adopt several new technologies and tools to meet the pressing and ongoing demands for growth.

Aerospace and defense (A&D) manufacturers caught up with implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and processes, but now they are facing a new evolution coming in the form of Industry 5.0. The newest iteration could have a number of implications for A&D manufacturers – from cobots and build-to-order to assistive wearables and hyperglobization pullback. The upshot? The humans are back in charge.

The deployed assets of the defense industry are undergoing constant technology improvements, but along with advancement and digital development comes the need to upgrade cybersecurity to support these changes. Some statistics predict that more than 50% of businesses could experience a data breach during 2023, so cybersecurity – particularly in the critical military arena – must keep pace with technological advances in order to secure all assets and associated data. New land, sea, and space technologies will all require a strong cyber backbone.

ITASCA, Ill. Cloud enterprise provider IFS and defense giant Lockheed Martin announced a joint partnership intended to promote products and services to help defense and aerospace organizations turn data into actionable information for mission platforms.