During his speech on Defence reform on 18th February John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, announced the “biggest shake-up” of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 50 years, emphasising the need to shift from process-driven bureaucracy to a system focused on outcomes, speed, and accountability. In response to the urgent need for reform in the defence sector, we're playing a pivotal role in addressing the challenges facing the MoD.
Healey emphasised that the current system "doesn't work in the way that we need it to for an increasingly dangerous world," and that decisions made now will shape the security of our world for generations.
We understand these strategic challenges and are committed to delivering solutions that enhance readiness, efficiency, and collaboration across the MoD. Our work spans mission-critical programmes, logistics transformation, and secure collaboration platforms—all designed to support the MoD’s new priorities. By working closely with the MoD, we can help deliver services with the maximum benefit that will shape the future forces whose success determines the shape of our world.
Current global events compel a focus on readiness for operations, which might increase the temptation to delay or cancel some transformation, but this risks not delivering the long-term benefits of ‘digital’ whether that be in engineering or in other parts of the business. As John Healey himself noted it is “not just about managing the immediate, it’s also about reforming for the future.” Defence priority must remain steadfast on transforming programmes to ensure MoD readiness and operational efficiency. Through continuing to invest in digital transformation now, we accelerate the shift to next generation capabilities to deliver better outcomes, drive further innovation secure a more resilient future for our armed forces.
BluejaySecureCollaboration for collaboration without compromise
At a time when the threat from adversaries and hostile actors has never been greater, keeping data safe is non-negotiable. The new service BluejaySecureCollaboration will transform the way government, MoD, defence agencies and organisations securely communicate and collaborate. Designed using secure by design principles, the collaborative working environment enables flexible, secure and resilient communication that protects intellectual property. This allows communities to work together, share information and exchange data to deliver mission critical programmes safely and securely, without risk of compromise.
By streamlining decision-making, BluejaySecureCollaboration will strengthen the MoD’s ability to operate effectively across agencies, borders, and alliances.
Transforming Logistics and Support for enhanced readiness
Logistics and Support form the backbone of operational readiness, and we're core in leading the charge in modernising these systems to meet the MoD’s evolving priorities. With growing global instability, ensuring the UK Armed Forces have the right inventory, at the right time, and in the place is more critical than ever.
To modernise logistics and support, we focus on integrating with existing MoD systems or replacing obsolete ones. We’re integrating predictive maintenance, supply chain automation, and real-time data analytics into defence logistics, helping to improve operational readiness by ensuring mission-critical assets are maintained, available, and deployable where they are needed the most.
Delivering mission-critical capabilities
Our partnership with the MoD addresses the strategic challenges highlighted in John Healey's speech. Through innovative projects like BluejaySecureCollaboration, advanced logistics and support systems, and mission-critical programmes, we’re committed to enhancing the MoD's capabilities. Our offers are designed to enhance interoperability, streamline information-sharing, and strengthen deterrence capabilities, ensuring the UK and its allies are fully prepared for future challenges, ultimately securing our world for future generations.
Sopra Steria is proud to be sponsoring Digital Engineering 25, taking place at the Active Conference Centre, Thornbury, on 18 & 19 March. Our experts will be on hand to discuss our work in defence innovation.
Learn more about BluejaySecureCollaboration for collaborative working