Accelerating Military Capability Delivery: An Analysis of New Technologies and Lifecycle Reduction

(full document here) The contemporary global security landscape is characterized by an unprecedented pace of technological evolution and increasingly complex threat environments. Traditional military acquisition processes, particularly within multinational frameworks like NATO, are often protracted and ill-suited to the rapid fielding of necessary capabilities. This document undertakes a comprehensive analysis of how the strategic application of new and emerging technologies can revolutionize the entire lifecycle of military equipment and systems, from initial requirement definition to sustained in-service operation. By examining each stage of the lifecycle through the lens of technological innovation, it identifies key opportunities for significant time compression, enhanced efficiency, and improved responsiveness. Furthermore, it addresses the unique challenges and considerations associated with multinational procurement programs, emphasizing the need for collaborative strategies and harmonized technological adoption to ensure effective and timely capability delivery across the Alliance. A series of actionable recommendations are listed, aimed at enabling NATO and its member nations to fundamentally transform their acquisition processes and maintain a decisive technological advantage.

by Gustavo Scotti di Uccio