Defence industries facing ultimate disruptive innovation

Understanding the new paradigm of military warfare and the rising issues facing defence forces around the world, were the key topics discussed during a debate between local and international defence policy makers on Saturday in the Capital.
Themed 'Disruptive Innovation in Defence and Security,' the conference took place ahead of International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) 2017, which is held under the patronage of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is expected to welcome over 100,000 visitors, regionally and globally.
The conference shed light on the complexity of accelerating technological innovation, which have powerful impact on the daily lives of populations throughout the world, as well as the shifting cyber-security landscape, focusing on national security and ways of monitoring and addressing threats.
Mohammed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, highlighted the importance of UAE's Armed Forces and why technology could have its ups and downs in the defence industry.
"Today's conference provides a unique opportunity to further the development of defence capabilities. Disruptive technology offers great advancements for our military institutions. However, in the hands of terrorists or enemies, it can yield results of catastrophic proportions," he added.
Al Bowardi noted that today, there is no other sector that witnesses changes at such rapid rate as the defence industry.
He said military institutions must therefore employ skillful professionals to create the highest levels of competitive advantage, and require mechanisms that facilitate, monitor and understand disruptive technology and its impact.
"In the UAE, our armed forces continuously aim to advance through introducing emerging technologies and developing human capital and know-how."
Lt-General Steven Shepro, Deputy Chairman of NATO Military Committee, said threats, particularly terrorist threats, have become multi-domain, which require rapid response.
"The threats are regional, they are multi-domain, multi-functional, adaptable, fast and decentralised." He pointed out that governments must thus mitigate such challenges through global partnerships.
Major-General John Frewan, Commander of Australian Defence Force in the Middle East, highlighted that military readiness is key when it comes to disruptive challenges, including crackdowns on unlawful weaponry.
"Very traditional weapons of mass destruction have not gotten away, we don't talk about them a lot these days, but they remain a problem," he noted. Dr Yehya Al Marzouqi, executive director, UAE Capability Development and Special Projects at Tawazun, stressed that the key matter when it comes down to facing threats is revolutionising defence policies, adding that the three fundamental issues that need careful consideration are "people, process and systems."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

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