Even before COVID-19, the Defence and Security sector was undergoing change at an unprecedented rate. After almost two decades of investment in technologies and armed service infrastructures focussed predominantly on countering the threat of global terrorism in what used to be termed ‘low-intensity conflict’, Western governments must now also contend with the growing sophistication of weaponry in the hands of emerging-state actors as well as rival peer powers – China and Russia. To do this they must adapt their policies, investment levels and direction of focus accordingly. This ‘multi-polarity’ does not just extend to uncertainty over whom to guard against, but also what, especially as new ‘warforms’ emerge and proliferate on the global conflict stage.

In this uncertain world, governments and the defence and security industries that support them are faced with huge and difficult questions – and even more difficult decisions. How to guard against the menace of offensive information warfare? How to prioritise between traditional land, sea and air ‘platforms’ and technologies that defend against cyberattack? How will artificial intelligence (AI) impact the defence and security sector – and what will be the key ethical, legal and economic drivers behind the emergence of AI as a form of weaponry?

Precision helps clients respond to fast-paced, rapidly changing dynamics such as these. By identifying needs, scoping aims, unlocking resources and developing comprehensive implementation strategies, we can help government-based clients prioritise the requisite actions, enhance decision-making processes and establish the most robust, agile and effective counter-measures. For defence primes and other stakeholders within the supporting industry, we can help identify opportunities, access the relevant value chains and maximise profits.