{"id":52184,"date":"2015-01-06T11:53:52","date_gmt":"2015-01-06T11:53:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=103895b8a6e84d8fd25702b19557e5ed"},"modified":"2015-01-06T11:53:52","modified_gmt":"2015-01-06T11:53:52","slug":"speech-securing-operational-superiority-through-defence-innovation-a-uk-perspective","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=52184","title":{"rendered":"Speech: Securing operational superiority through defence innovation: a UK perspective"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s great to be back in the United States for the third time this year; a place that always feels like home.<\/p>\n

A place that was my home for 2 years in the 1980s.<\/p>\n

And I\u2019m grateful for the chance to speak to such a varied and knowledgeable audience, on a theme of defence innovation in a country that can rightly claim to be global pioneers in defence technology.<\/p>\n

Britain too is proud to share a similar heritage of innovation. <\/p>\n

You\u2019ve given the world \u2026 GPS, stealth planes, cloud computing, email\u2026not to mention duct tape. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve given the world\u2026radar, jet engine, the World Wide Web, the military tank, the jump jet\u2026not to mention the Christmas card.<\/p>\n

Between us we\u2019ve got an impressive record of innovation.<\/p>\n

UK shares commitment to science and technology<\/h2>\n

And what\u2019s absolutely clear, on both sides of the pond, is that in defence, exploiting technology and innovation, will matter even more in the future than it has in the past.<\/p>\n

Only through technological advantage can we meet, head on, the kaleidoscope of global threats and challenges that we face.
\nIn the past year alone we\u2019ve seen\u2026the rise of ISIL<\/abbr>, Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, Iran\u2019s machinations, the spread of Ebola\u2026<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve watched complexity replace old Cold War clarity.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen the boundaries between international and domestic threats, military and non-military affairs, blurring.<\/p>\n

This is an era in which the threats we face are not merely to national security but the international stability on which our trade resources and technology depend, threats to the \u2018world order\u2019 that Henry Kissinger has so eloquently described.<\/p>\n

And despite all the advantages that technology has bestowed on our modern world, we have to face the flipside.<\/p>\n

Weapons proliferation, the relentless advance of cyber warfare, non-state actors pedalling an expansionist global ideology, rogue states, and traditional military advantage being undermined by disruptive technologies.<\/p>\n

So, in this era it will be our attitude to innovation that defines us.<\/p>\n

That allows us to face the unpredictable threats of the future.<\/p>\n

That gives us that battle winning edge. <\/p>\n

Just as it will be innovation that delivers greater bang for our military buck, as defence budgets in Western economies are squeezed tighter.<\/p>\n

Innovation at the heart of UK thinking<\/h2>\n

So, as you can imagine, we in the UK have been watching the US defence innovation initiative with more than a passing interest.<\/p>\n

Because we are on a similar journey.<\/p>\n

As we approach our strategic defence and security review, next year, it goes without saying that innovation is at the front and centre of our thinking\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026touching on everything we do; from high level strategy and policy, cutting-edge science and technologies to business change and, of course, our people\u2026<\/p>\n

But, fortunately, we have some momentum behind us.<\/p>\n

Since coming into office over 4 years ago, we\u2019ve been relentlessly championing innovation\u2026driving through change across the defence machine\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026rooting out poor and outmoded practices\u2026redesigning and reinvigorating\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026transforming the whole department into a leaner and more efficient engine\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026ensuring we can build resilience, retain our operational superiority and be ready to face the future.<\/p>\n

Innovation in defence transformation<\/h2>\n

To do that we sorted out our balance sheet in the UK Ministry of Defence\u2026with \u00a338 billon worth of inherited unfunded commitments, more than 100% of our annual budget\u2026<\/p>\n

We made some tough calls\u2026<\/p>\n

Cutting old platforms\u2026<\/p>\n

Reducing our manpower, with administrative roles reduced at twice the rate of the frontline.<\/p>\n

And getting to grips with our big ticket procurement projects, curbing delays and cost overruns.<\/p>\n

Once we\u2019d got the legacy of out of control procurement out of our system, we turned our attention to the problems that had caused it\u2026and started the painstaking process of building a better future for defence. <\/p>\n

Then we restructured our forces\u2026creating a scalable, modular, and fundamentally joint approach to provide us with the flexibility and agility that our volatile world demands.<\/p>\n

And we devolved budgets to the single services\u2026ensuring the men and women who really understand what\u2019s required took responsibility, and with that accountability, for spending decisions\u2026. <\/p>\n

Finally, we overhauled our infrastructure and equipment organisations\u2026injecting them with much needed private sector expertise.<\/p>\n

They now adopt a more commercial approach\u2026ensuring we are a more intelligent customer; one able to get high quality equipment at best value for the taxpayer.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no denying it, it\u2019s been a long and arduous journey, but we are starting to reap benefits, improving procurement performance in getting more equipment delivered to time and cost parameters.<\/p>\n

But we recognise that to guarantee we\u2019re in the best shape to face the challenges of tomorrow, much more progress is required.<\/p>\n

Collaboration: the key to innovation<\/h2>\n

We also recognise that, when it comes to driving innovation, we can\u2019t go it alone\u2026collaboration is the future.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why we in the Ministry of Defence are so keen on what we call the \u201cwhole force concept\u201d\u2026ensuring that defence uses the most expedient mix of talents from the military, defence civilian and commercial worlds to achieve the best possible effect\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026something we are able to do by virtue of our smaller size.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen it with the introduction of private sector skills in defence procurement and infrastructure services\u2026 <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen it with cross government and third-sector collaboration on international defence engagement<\/p>\n

Above all, we\u2019re seeing it when it comes to technological innovation\u2026.<\/p>\n

\u2026because in a world of exponential technological advance it\u2019s often in the civilian sphere that latest innovation is to be found.
\nWe need to tap that talent\u2026and we need to do it in a timely fashion.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why the UK is doing its utmost to support technological innovation.<\/p>\n

Firstly, by avoiding what I believe they call in Texas: \u201cAll hat no cattle\u201d\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026putting our money where our mouth is\u2026investing in world class science and technology\u2026protecting our annual investment in science and technology\u2026so it remains at least 1.2 % of the defence budget\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026a figure that, I know, won\u2019t sound like a big deal to you all\u2026but one that\u2026in a time of fiscal retrenchment\u2026reflects the seriousness of our intent.<\/p>\n

And our Centre for Defence Enterprise\u2026is already developing novel high risk, high potential benefit innovations on everything from complex weapons to sensor navigation and guidance.<\/p>\n

Our investment in defence technology comes on top of our government\u2019s wider existing investment in science and technology as part of its long term economic plan\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026including $425 million in quantum technologies\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026$370 million on a new advanced materials research centre\u2026 <\/p>\n

\u2026$515 million on Space technologies to take the leading role in Europe <\/p>\n

\u2026and $470 million on cutting edge projects such as the European spallation source, a powerful neutron microscope that will allow us to observe the universe better\u2026bringing with it the potential to discover materials for faster planes, new and better computer chips and feather lightweight kit for our military.<\/p>\n

This is priority investment and it means the UK can continue to call itself one of the most productive science nations in the world\u2026publishing 16% of the world\u2019s top quality research, despite being home to just 1% of its population.<\/p>\n

Secondly, we\u2019re supporting technological innovation by encouraging defence primes to open up their supply chains<\/p>\n

Smoothing the path for the SMEs<\/abbr> that are the lifeblood of the defence industry\u2026<\/p>\n

Providing the niche capability, the groundbreaking ideas and the enterprise that gives us the edge.<\/p>\n

And, thirdly, through a new initiative called the defence growth partnership, we\u2019re providing a collaborative environment for the collective effort of industry, government and academia to focus on making the UK defence industry more sustainable and more competitive\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026able to provide leading edge capability for our armed forces and international customers.<\/p>\n

In short, it\u2019s about bringing the best brains in the business together\u2026<\/p>\n

So we can foster a UK supply chain and create a UK centre of excellence recognised as such by defence customers\u200e and other defence supply chains around the world.<\/p>\n

International collaboration<\/h2>\n

So collaboration\u2026is the key to innovation.<\/p>\n

But\u2026on a domestic scale, it only takes us so far\u2026<\/p>\n

If we want to stay at the very forefront of global innovation\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026and if we\u2019re to remain ahead of our adversaries\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026we must pool our resources more widely\u2026.<\/p>\n

And collaborate on an international scale. <\/p>\n

Our countries can point to the individual achievements of great Americans and Great Britons.<\/p>\n

Yet it is often the melding of our experience and expertise that produces the unique fission to turn the tide of world events, whether in World War 2 or the Cold War.<\/p>\n

Which is why, we want to be part of your discussion on innovation.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s my firm conviction\u2026and I hope yours too\u2026that we have much to offer, if you\u2019ll let us.<\/p>\n

Rich history of collaboration<\/h2>\n

As the Minister responsible for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, of course I would say that.<\/p>\n

But, you don\u2019t need to take my word for it\u2026<\/p>\n

Because the US and the UK have a rich history of collaboration on military technology and capabilities\u2026something I\u2019ve already alluded to.<\/p>\n

Fittingly, the UK had a role in the first US offset strategy and our relationship on the nuclear enterprise is based on the 60 years of collaboration that stemmed from it.<\/p>\n

Today, our collaboration is unmatched across a broad spectrum of capabilities including intelligence, force protection, airborne ISR, and the interoperability of our force structures.<\/p>\n

Sometimes we\u2019re equitable partners, working hand-in-glove to develop the same capability, such as on the common missile compartment.<\/p>\n

Sometimes the UK is a priority partner, such as on F35, where our involvement helps to save long term costs. <\/p>\n

Sometimes we utilise US off the shelf equipment and develop new and innovative ways of operating it, such as on rivet joint.<\/p>\n

And when we do collaborate on capabilities, it\u2019s easy to see the benefits of operating them alongside each other\u2026<\/p>\n

it\u2019s the basis for a much deeper and richer collaboration\u2026<\/p>\n

one that exists between our respective services\u2026<\/p>\n

and the way they work and operate together.<\/p>\n

The future of our carrier operations and maritime power projection will have UK\/US interoperability at the heart of it\u2026 not just on the equipment\u2026<\/p>\n

but on the training of our people and the way we operate the capability in the future.<\/p>\n

And we continue to collaborate extensively on science and technology. <\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s our joint work on land based electronic counter-measures\u2026 where together we\u2019re working to stay ahead of a complex and rapidly evolving threat\u2026 and which has saved countless lives and limbs over the past decade of joint operations\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026or our work on infra red counter measures for aircraft.<\/p>\n

Encouragingly, the science and technology communiqu\u00e9 that I signed with Frank Kendall at the start of this year\u2026to accelerate our joint programmes of research in disruptive technologies\u2026is already paying dividends.<\/p>\n

There are currently around 100 distinct research and development arrangements underway between the UK and the US.
\nAnd an increased number of US exchange scientists and engineers in the UK\u2026as well as a new scheme for short-term exchanges between UK and US scientists.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve established joint work initiatives in game changing technology\u2026including a DOD-MOD<\/abbr> sponsored workshop in the New Year on Quantum technology.<\/p>\n

And the value of the communiqu\u00e9 has been affirmed by the development of co-operation into potential new areas including quantum technology\u2026and expanding current areas of co-operation such as autonomy and directed energy.<\/p>\n

So we work better together and there\u2019s more we can do<\/h2>\n

So we have a good track record in collaboration and innovation\u2026one we can and must build on if we are to even start meeting our full potential\u2026before others meet theirs\u2026<\/p>\n

And there is so much we can do across the spectrum of engagement\u2026<\/p>\n

Be it working jointly on cutting edge scientific projects\u2026
\n\u2026Sharing access to critical technologies and test facilities\u2026<\/p>\n

..Exchanging ideas on modernising our business processes or attracting talent into defence\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026Co-ordinating the division of effort and the concentration of national resources\u2026<\/p>\n

Or increasing joint war gaming on common areas of interest.<\/p>\n

Challenging the status quo<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not just about exchanging new ideas\u2026<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about challenging old ones too\u2026<\/p>\n

Breaking down the barriers to collaboration\u2026<\/p>\n

Smashing through the bureaucratic ceiling\u2026to accelerate the path from concept to capability\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2026Ensuring we can align acquisition, access each other\u2019s markets\u2026and see capability collaboration for what it really is: a force multiplier and a pooling of the market; not a mechanism for eroding competition or reducing profits.<\/p>\n

We need to collectively recognise the importance of strong defence on both sides of the Atlantic, particularly a strong industrial and technical base.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s in all of our interests.<\/p>\n

At the NATO<\/abbr> summit in Wales, member countries reaffirmed their commitment to spend, or aim to spend, 20% of their defence spending on major new equipment.<\/p>\n

We meet our obligations; but not all do.<\/p>\n

If European defence industries are prevented from cooperating or partnering on new equipment programmes, their governments will stop investing in defence.<\/p>\n

And that will affect all of us.<\/p>\n

Collaboration is a \u201cmust have\u201d not a \u201cnice to have\u201d.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

So \u2026if we\u2019re to meet the onslaught of emerging and evolving threats in a coherent and credible way\u2026we must collaborate\u2026across industry\u2026and across continents\u2026to draw out the best innovations from our nations.
\nI hope to work closer with the United States to make this happen, and look forward to meeting with the Deputy Secretary this afternoon to take forward our discussions on just how we might do this.<\/p>\n

And while we can reflect on a great shared history, it\u2019s my staunch belief, that if we capitalise on our past\u2026and seize the opportunities of the present\u2026
\n\u2026we can look forward with confidence to the future\u2026<\/p>\n

A future where we will maintain our capability advantage<\/p>\n

A future where we will increase our innovation. <\/p>\n

And a future where we will strengthen our already special relationship.<\/p>\n

And where we will build on success, to succeed.<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Speech by Mr Philip Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52184"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=52184"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52184\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=52184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=52184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}