BAE Systems, Microsoft Enter Into Strategic Agreement to Accelerate Digital Defense Systems Development

BAE Systems has partnered with Microsoft to accelerate the development, deployment and management of digital defense systems using the Azure Cloud platform, which offers digital engineering capabilities, including data analysis and simulation.

As part of a strategic agreement, open architecture tools will be used in developing new technologies, allowing BAE Systems to engage with small businesses and partners in the development phase, Microsoft said.

Since the partnership began, the companies initiated three projects focused on improving access to dynamic data sources to deliver real-time tactical naval intelligence, developing secure software that sends updates to air platforms mid-flight and creating a digital thread that helps facilitate the maintenance of maritime platforms from concept to disposal. 

According to Julian Cracknell, chief technology and information officer at BAE Systems, the agreement with Microsoft will provide his company with access to tools that capture significant insights from various data sources, including satellite and radar feeds, and provide armed forces with the capabilities to address rapidly evolving threats.