The collaboration brings together BAE System‘s knowledge of building digital systems for militaries and governments with Microsoft‘s approach to developing applications using its Azure Cloud platform.

As part of this collaboration, BAE Systems and Microsoft have used the Azure Cloud approach to accelerate software design, development, and testing of a system that can deploy new software on to an Uncrewed Air Vehicle during flight.

BAE Systems says that this approach to using the cloud could in future speed up the deployment of software to operational military platforms.

For example, modern fighter jets can require up to 24 million lines of code to function effectively, so using the cloud to deploy updates could make the process quicker and help retain a competitive advantage over adversaries.

The two companies have also explored how to reduce the time it takes for an innovative idea to move into production. Digital design and manufacturing have been at the heart of BAE Systems for decades, but given the growth in data volumes and complexity, using cloud technology can help perform data analysis and simulation.

BAE is planning on taking advantage of Azure Cloud’s digital engineering capabilities to get the most out of their data by digitally connecting the design, manufacture, and operation of products throughout their life.

Underpinning the agreement is a commitment from both organisations to develop technology using open architecture digital tools, enabling customers to more easily work with third parties.

This would be in an effort to increase BAE System’s ability to work with third parties without compromising their security by only allowing access to very specific areas of work.

Since starting the collaboration, BAE Systems and Microsoft have worked on three initiatives, using cloud software in the defence sector.

These projects included enhancing real-time tactical naval intelligence through access to more dynamic data sources; development of secure software to deliver real-time updates to air platforms; and the creation of a digital thread to support the maintenance of maritime platforms from concept to disposal.

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Commenting on the new agreement, Julian Cracknell, Chief Technology and Information Officer at BAE Systems said: “The data available to the defence sector and armed forces is often highly complex and comes from hundreds of thousands of sources, whether that’s satellite and radar feeds, intelligence gathered by ships at sea or even social media.

“Our innovative agreement with Microsoft will give us easier access to tools that help us make sense of this information for our customers – allowing armed forces to stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats, whilst maintaining the highest levels of security.”

Clare Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK added: “This strategic agreement will enable defence organisations to use data more effectively. This will help them promote stability and security for residents, nations and multinational alliances.

“By working together, delivering agile, secure and reliable software, BAE Systems and Microsoft are already delivering tangible results to our customers. These results mean they can modernise environments, protect information domains and optimise operations.”