Innovating in Defence: ‘Virtual Environments’ to Model Decisions and Systems

The Australian Defence department has unveiled a groundbreaking digital engineering strategy designed to transform its operational capabilities and procurement processes. This initiative seeks to establish "virtual environments" where defense personnel can conduct experiments and rigorously test decisions and systems before they are finalized and delivered by industry partners. By creating these digital spaces, Defence aims to facilitate a more iterative and experimental approach to capability development, which is essential in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape.

Central to this strategy is the integration of data-driven models, including the use of digital twins—virtual replicas of physical systems that can be used for simulation and analysis. This innovative approach allows Defence to visualize and assess the performance of various systems and scenarios in a controlled environment, significantly improving the decision-making process. By utilizing these advanced modeling techniques, Defence is shifting from the traditional linear design-build-test methodology to a more agile model-analyze-build paradigm. This transition is crucial for enhancing the responsiveness and adaptability of the Defence sector.

The new digital engineering strategy is particularly significant as it enables integrated modeling of complex systems and their interrelationships. This capability allows for a comprehensive understanding of how different components interact within the broader system of systems, ultimately enhancing operational effectiveness. By experimenting in virtual environments, Defence can refine solutions and validate decisions before implementing them within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), reducing risks and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

This forward-thinking approach is not developed in isolation; it draws inspiration from similar initiatives undertaken by the US Department of Defense, which has also embraced digital transformation in its operations. By leveraging lessons learned from international counterparts, Australia aims to accelerate its own modernization efforts and ensure that its defense capabilities remain at the forefront of innovation.

A key aspect of the digital engineering strategy is the emphasis on preparing and organizing data across the Defence department to be effectively ingested into models and virtual environments. The initiative recognizes that shared authoritative data is essential for creating reliable models and digital artifacts that can inform decision-making processes. By establishing a centralized reference point for data, Defence can enhance the quality and accuracy of its analyses and ensure that stakeholders have access to consistent and authoritative information.

The strategy also highlights the importance of producing digital artifacts that support various functions, including reviews, analyses, and trade-offs. This capability enables Defence to conduct thorough evaluations of potential solutions and make informed decisions that align with strategic objectives. By utilizing authoritative data to guide these processes, Defence aims to improve its overall efficiency and effectiveness in capability acquisition.

Ultimately, the Australian Defence department envisions building an enterprise capability that securely harnesses data and analytics to drive insights and enable faster, more informed decisions. This capability will allow Defence to continuously capture and assess engineering data as missions, capabilities, and products evolve over time. By adopting this proactive and innovative approach, Defence is positioning itself to meet future challenges more effectively, maximizing the potential of emerging technologies while ensuring that its operations are agile, responsive, and aligned with contemporary defense needs.